Parish of Manuka South Canberra
St Paul’s
Children’s Choirs
Enrolment Enquiries
Children are welcome to join the choir at any stage during the year. For further information or to register your interest, please complete our Expression of Interest Form or contact the Children’s Choirs Director at juniorchoir@stpaulsmanuka.org.au
About our Children’s Choirs
St Paul’s Manuka is proud to offer a children’s choral program designed to support young people in the development of their innate musical abilities throughout their school years, from kindergarten right through to the end of high school.
Our children’s choirs are skilfully led by qualified and experienced music teachers (see below).
Choristers receive training in vocal technique, musicianship, sight reading, aural skills and ensemble skills, and are exposed to challenging, beautiful and uplifting music from the rich Anglican music tradition, in a variety of musical styles from the Renaissance, Baroque and Classical periods through to more modern repertoire. Our children’s choirs follow the acclaimed RSCM ‘Voice for Life’ training scheme.
We believe that every child deserves an opportunity to sing in a welcoming, encouraging and inclusive environment. Our choirs are not auditioned, and choir membership is free – all children are warmly invited to participate.
Child safety and wellbeing is an absolute priority in the Parish of Manuka and the Anglican Diocese of Canberra-Goulburn to which we belong. All personnel working and volunteering with children undergo screening and training, and adhere to our stric safeguarding policies and protocols. Further information about Diocesan policies and protocols can be found here.
The three choirs in our children’s choral program are designed to take children through the various stages of their musical development:
The Prep Choir for ages 5-7
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 4.15-5.00pm during school terms, with supervised play time and afternoon tea provided from 3.45pm.
Services: Prep choristers are typically required for 2-3 Sunday morning services per school term. They generally sing at the same services as the Junior Choir. A calendar of service dates for the year can be obtained by contacting juniorchoir@stpaulsmanuka.org.au
Auditions / Fees: There are no auditions for our children’s choirs and no cost to families.
The Junior Choir for ages 8-14
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 4.15-5.15pm during school terms, with supervised play time and afternoon tea provided from 3.45pm.
Services: Junior choristers are typically required for 2-3 Sunday morning services per school term, usually on the first Sunday of the month. A calendar of service dates for the year can be obtained by contacting juniorchoir@stpaulsmanuka.org.au
Auditions / Fees: There are no auditions for our children’s choirs and no cost to families.
The Youth Choir for ages 13+
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 5.30-6.15pm during school terms.
Services: The Youth Choir sings at 2-3 services per term, either at the 9.30am or 5pm Evensong service.
Our Youth Choir comprises high-school students who are have some singing experience and music reading ability, and who wish to further develop their musicianship and extend their skills in choral part singing (SATB). There is a special focus on supporting and encouraging boys through vocal change.
Prep Choir Director
Greta Claringbould
Greta Claringbould is a highly acclaimed professional Baroque Soprano who frequently performs as soprano soloist with various choirs and ensembles in Canberra and beyond. Greta holds a Bachelor of Music with Honours in Viola Performance, an AMusA in voice, and an ATCL in Violin Performance. She is a highly experienced choral director and has worked extensively with children’s choirs.
Prep Choir Director
Alison Waddell
Alison Waddell has been a registered K-6 and specialist music teacher in the ACT for many years. Her professional development has often focused on Special Needs and Music, and she has a passion for leading community choirs. Alison plays the piano, percussion and recorder and also enjoys music composition.
Junior Choir Director
Kate Edwards
Kate Edwards is an experienced high-school teacher of Music and Languages who has directed numerous choirs in school, church and community settings. Kate plays the violin and piano, and has tertiary qualifications in music, languages and education.