Creating Music for Young Voices: how Mark Puddy creates memorable arrangements for the Australian Girls Choir

Watching an Australian Girls Choir concert, you will witness a dazzling performance of music that effortlessly flows between each of our AGC levels. What you may not know is that much of our music is arranged or composed specifically for the AGC to suit the vocal ranges and abilities of choristers, by our very own resident composer and arranger, Mark Puddy.

Mark Puddy has worked in music education for many years and his music has been an integral part of the unique voice of the AGC since 1993. Bringing to life a broad spectrum of Australian classics, pop hits, international choral works and his own original compositions, Mark’s commitment to storytelling and tailoring music to young people to showcase their authentic voice is part of the fabric of the AGC.

To experience first-hand the Australian Girls Choir’s tailored approach to training young voices, join us at a free trial class at November Open Day.

Writing for young voices

“When I write for young voices, I am inspired by imagining what the music may sound like when these young voices bring it to life.”

In order to create music for our younger choristers that is vocally healthy and age-appropriate, Mark takes into account the vocal range and ability of children at different levels of their development. He carefully uses themes that choristers connect with, enabling them to deliver performances with authenticity.

At our junior@agc levels, Mark’s overriding principle is that the stories the girls sing about are relevant and inspiring.  It is also important that our youngest singers perform songs that are written to aid sustainable and healthy voices. Tempo may need to be slower so our junior@agc girls can deliver the lyrics, and melodies may need to be simplified so that the girls can physically produce the notes accurately.

“As the choristers get older, it’s a joy to see them work on more advanced material and take on bigger challenges. For me, the balance is ensuring that the girls are being stretched but never set up to fail.”

A uniquely Australian feel

“At the Australian Girls Choir it is our responsibility to be programming music with an Australian focus. However, like our beautiful multicultural country, this Australian perspective should be broad, embracing many cultures and styles.”

Many of our choristers will have sung original music written by Mark, much of which takes inspiration from uniquely Australian stories. When arranging repertoire Mark enjoys working on music that celebrates our multicultural diversity and First Nations communities, reflecting the variety of repertoire in our concerts. Our young people have the opportunity to engage with a rich mix of ideas and perspectives.

“I love the idea that a song can transport a performer – both musically and thematically – to a completely new artistic world that they may not have explored before. Watching young singers’ faces light up as they discover something new in the music is one of the most rewarding parts of the process.”

The impact of Mark’s music

“We’ve had the opportunity to share the stage with some outstanding international groups. These experiences are always more than just performances – they often begin with workshops where we exchange songs, learn from one another and build connections through music.”

The impact of Mark’s work has been felt by thousands of choristers, whose pride in singing his music resonates around the world. A distinctive element of the AGC is our global connections to choirs and young people through international touring and high profile public performances.

For the AGC, sharing our music and stories with enthusiastic groups from across the globe has been a powerful reminder of how music breaks down barriers and creates friendships across cultures.

We are so grateful to Mark for his enormous contribution to the Australian Girls Choir. His positive influence is felt by all: from the youngest singers taking their first steps in vocal training through to the most senior choristers who engage with sophisticated material celebrating our multicultural connections. Mark has helped shape what makes the Australian Girls Choir so special.

“Sharing our music and stories with enthusiastic groups from around the world has been a powerful reminder of how music breaks down barriers and creates friendships across cultures.”

Register for our November Open Day, to learn more about the
unique approach of the AGC to training young voices.