Voices in Progress: Repertoire That Grows with Your Choir Information and registration

Voices in Progress: Practical PD for Primary Choir Leaders
Presented by: Stuart Gillard, Debbie O'Shea, Jenny Moon, and Paul Holley OAM

DATE: Saturday 13th Sept
LOCATION: Ascot State School (entry through Massey St, look for the Birralee banners!)

Discover engaging and effective repertoire for primary-aged choirs—spanning from unison singing to simple part-work. This professional development session is designed to equip music educators and choir leaders with practical tools and inspiring material to nurture confident, expressive young singers.

If you are a graduate level teacher, a teacher wanting to start a program in a school, an instrumental director who has been given the choir or a classroom teacher with little choral background this session is for you.

You'll explore:
 - Repertoire tailored to the early stages of vocal development – including unison and partner songs, canons, seasonal and special occasion repertoire
 - Accessible strategies to support vocal technique and musicality
 - Tried-and-true favourites from experienced conductors who understand what works in the classroom and rehearsal room and the educational value of exploring different genres of music.

This is a hands-on, resource-rich session ideal for music educators and choral directors passionate about building joyful, musical communities through song.

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
9:15 – 9:30am | Registration
9:30 – 11:00am | Session 1 (includes vocal warm-ups and practical repertoire)
11:00 – 11:30am | Morning Tea Break
11:30 – 12:45pm | Session 2 (continued repertoire and strategies)

Following the PD, participants are invited to observe our expert conductors in rehearsal with Voices of Birralee's vibrant primary-aged ensembles:

1:30 – 2:15pm | Piccolos (Prep–Year 1) – Conductor: Debbie Daley
1:30 – 2:30pm | Kids (Years 2–4) – Conductor: Jenny Moon
3:00 – 4:15pm | Singers (Years 5–7) – Conductors: Paul Holley & Jenny Moon

COST
     * $97.75 per person
     * $60 for students and first-year teachers
       (Proof of tertiary enrolment required)

As Voices of Birralee is a registered charity, this PD is GST-free.

INCLUSIONS:
✔ Handouts and resources
✔ PD Certificate
✔ Goody bag

Tea and coffee making facilities available.

WHAT TO BRING:
• Water bottle
• 2B pencil
• BYO snacks or light meal (A 30-minute break will be scheduled)
• Mug or keep cup

Please ensure you complete your own registration to receive important confirmation details via email.

We look forward to singing with you!


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Stuart Gillard graduated with Merit from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in 1990 after completing a Bachelor of Music Education degree. He holds the Australian Kodaly Certificate and mostly composes for primary school choirs, primary school string orchestras and repertoire for primary classroom music. Stuart is an experienced music educator with over 35 years experience teaching in both primary and secondary music.
His school choirs have been multi award winners at Eisteddfods and Choral Fanfare. He has been guest choral conductor at multiple choral events for children such as Singfest, Ringbalin and the Young Voices Festival.


Debbie O’Shea is a highly accomplished music educator, composer, and passionate advocate for quality music education with over 40 years of experience. She has contributed to national curriculum projects, mentored countless teachers, and co-founded the Together Sing initiative, promoting the joy of singing across Australia. Debbie is also the creator and host of the Crescendo Music Education Podcast, supporting and inspiring music educators worldwide. Along the way, she authored The Stalagmite Effect, a warm and encouraging reflection on how small, consistent actions shape extraordinary lives.