By Brendan Rees
A Berwick youth choir made up of 14 young girls are preparing to hit their biggest note.
Daughters Of The King will perform their hit tracks from their debut album at the Berwick Anglican Church on 16 September.
The choir will perform along with guest artists – cellist, Isaac Winter and flautist, Merrily Hansen.
The choir’s musical director Leah Bosch said the girls were excited about the launch of their album.
“A lot of them have not had this opportunity before, and for many of them it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. They are very much excited to see the finished product. It’s been really good,” Ms Bosch said.
Now in its 11th year, the ensemble evolved from a group of teenagers singing around an old piano in a lounge room.
With some of the choristers only 10 years old, Ms Bosch said the girls had worked “ridiculously hard” to record their new album which included choral, jazz and classical music.
“To learn 11 songs in six months and to a standard to put on a CD that people can play in their car is just a huge effort, so they’ve done really well,” she said.
“We rehearse on Friday nights for about two hours in Berwick, and we’ve managed to put it all together in six months. There has been a lot of work involved.”
“They’ve heard some of the finished tracks, and they’re really pleased with their effort.”
Ms Bosch said the album was a credit to the girls who had bonded in their love of singing, adding the girls worked tirelessly in fund-raising to record the album.
“It’s been quite a journey and the group has evolved into the group that we are today. It’s really positive. The girls have great relationships with each other. It’s a real blessing to be a part of their lives and be able to influence and impact their lives in the way that I do.”
She said two of the tracks were sung by alumni, adding they were an integral part of the group’s history and it was important they were represented.
Ms Bosch said she had enjoyed being a role model who was the accompanist for the group before undertaking the role as music director for the past five and half years.
“I was one of the original choristers when the group started up 11 years ago. It basically started out as a group of predominantly home schoolers. We decided we just wanted to get together and started as a singing group.”
Ms Bosch said the group had grown in confidence.
“The girls have had to practise outside of rehearsal times. It’s a huge commitment for the parents as well to bring them to performances and rehearsals and support the endeavours of the group. It’s been a huge team effort.”
Ms Bosch said the girls were looking forward to their big show. “We’re busy selling tickets and advertising and getting flyers out. It’s all coming together which is good,” she said.
The album launch concert will be held on Saturday 16 September at 7.30pm at the Berwick Anglican Church. Entry: adults $10, children $5 (age three-18 years old). Free entry for performers and children under three years.
