Why junior@agc really is ‘A very good place to start’
Almost 2000 girls across Australia in Foundation Level to Grade 2 spend their Saturday mornings singing, dancing and making new friends at the AGC. For many, it is the highlight of their week.
She may be someone who relishes any opportunity to sing, dance and create performances for family and friends. Or perhaps she is reserved and needs a nurturing environment to build her confidence and find her voice. Regardless of ability or confidence levels, junior@agc is a place for all young girls to develop their performing arts skills in a playful and inclusive environment.
A curriculum designed for junior minds
For most of our younger choristers, the junior@agc program is their first formal foray into the performing arts. In the school classroom or in an early learning environment, most children participate in basic singing and dancing, however the junior@agc program offers an opportunity for girls to begin developing their vocal skills and musicianship.
“By weaving music into the early years of a child’s life, we increase their musical aptitude and can set them on a course of a lifetime full of rich musical experience.” – Vicki King, Artistic Director
In every junior@agc class, girls will participate in fun warm up activities, and singing games, and learn repertoire for their mid-year and end-of-year concerts. Our friendly and experienced tutors use the renowned Kodály and Orff teaching approaches to enhance repertoire learning and to help girls to understand written music – after all, many junior@agc choristers are only just learning to read!
junior@agc classes extend far beyond just singing. Movement activities, drama and speaking exercises, and team-building games are integrated into the curriculum, providing a well-rounded music education. The variation in each class also ensures that the girls remain engaged throughout the one hour class.
The ‘hidden curriculum’ parents are marvelling at
While many girls go on to advance their musical education in the AGC Training Levels and Senior Performance Groups, often it is the ‘hidden curriculum’ which begins as early as junior@agc which draws parents and children alike to the AGC. When commenting on their daughter’s education with the AGC, parents often refer to enhanced confidence, positive self-esteem, public speaking skills, discipline, social skills, and excellent team-work.
“My daughter has been singing since she could talk, and as a beautiful individual who is also on the spectrum, AGC has been a safe, accepting and inclusive space for her to be her best self. AGC has boosted her confidence, given her a space to build friendships outside of school, and has given her a place to shine.” – Erin Barry
A recent study from the University of Tasmania has also found that group music making, like being part of a choir, fosters resilience in young people.
“If you want your child to be a team player who is empathetic and shows grit, our research suggests that joining a music group could be the answer.” – Mike Morffew, The Conversation
From a neurological perspective, research has found that singing helps brain growth, speech development, improved maths skills, increased memory retention and concentration in children. The earlier they begin to regularly practice singing, like in junior@agc, the more flexible the brain is for learning.
Her first time on the concert stage
Another first for junior@agc choristers is performing on stage in front of an audience. As a junior@agc, girls have the opportunity to participate in two concerts, the mid-year Winter Showcase and the grander end-of-year Annual Concert. For young children, working towards a six month goal is quite a long-term commitment. The joy of performing in front of family and friends and sharing what they’ve been practicing over a significant amount of time is a great reward for their hard work – a prime example of how joining a choir leads to developing resilience.
“I have never seen my daughter as happy as she was after her first concert with AGC.” – Camilla Stinson
“The joy radiating from the girls and the AGC musicians was life-affirmingly wonderful.” – Kate Andrews
