Artist in Residence: Vocalist Rachel Hore, OAM

Members of the St Columba Anglican School choirs were able to benefit from Artist in Residence, Rachel Hore, OAM, at a two day workshop at SCAS on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th February.

A much sought after teacher of choral singing in Australia, Rachel writes and arranges songs for choir, and has been performing and teaching for over 25 years. A graduate of the NSW Conservatorium of Music, Rachel began her singing career with the acclaimed Australian vocal quartet Arramaieda, who became an important influence on the now flourishing choral scene in Australia.

Rachel has been running workshops at SCAS for the last 7 years. Marie Van Gend, Vocal Coordinator at SCAS is “thrilled and excited to have Rachel here at SCAS to bring fresh ideas, new skills, repertoire and music to our choir students”.

As a special treat, Rachel has organised a SCAS ‘Pop-Up’ choir performance on Saturday 25th February at 5:30pm (weather permitting) for students to showcase their learnings for the general Port Macquarie public. Rachel aims to change the nature of vacant space through sound and song, and often organises performances in tunnels, markets, car parks and museums – “anywhere where there is a space that can be warmed by the human voice”.

The SCAS Senior Choir is one of the biggest vocal programs in the state with 120 students, of which one third are male. The SCAS choir leaders encourage and tailor programs for boys with changing voices to ensure confidence and suitability with their performances. Students as young as Kindegarten level love to participate in the Infants Choir (K-2). There is also a Primary Choir for years 3-6 and various Senior choirs including a Man Shed for male students and Iintombi Zicula for female students.

Each year, SCAS brings an Artist in Residence to enhance their Choir, Instrumental and Dance programs.