Moorambilla Voices 

By Hayley Reynolds – Year 12 

Recently, I had the opportunity to join a well-known choral group, Moorambilla, to participate in a Sydney Opera House Singing Tour. 

In June, a group of 32 children, ranging from the years 7 to 12, embarked on a trip to Sydney and recorded 7 songs, three of which had never been heard before. We were accompanied by a live orchestra and performed in one of the rehearsal rooms of the Sydney Opera House. It was my first event with the organisation (and my first time visiting the Opera House), and I knew nobody, and I had never sung choral before. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and give it a shot. It was the best decision I have ever made. I made so many new friends and connections and met many professional musicians and artists. 

After this amazing Opera House Tour, I was invited to the official Moorambilla camp which I have just returned from. It was another incredible experience and I met-up with group members I sang with in Sydney as well as having the opportunity to meet many other amazing people. We learnt new songs, dance routines and the famous Japanese Taiko drums. These artforms will be performed by the group in Dubbo next month, however as it is the same time as my Year 12 graduation, I won’t be able to attend.  

Moorambilla has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I’m so glad I took on something that I was unsure of. I met so many great people and made many remarkable connections in the music industry. I also gained more experience and knowledge after stepping out of my comfort zone and had so much fun. Moorambilla camp is such a great opportunity to make friends, have fun experiences and broaden your horizons and opportunities. Its main purpose is to prepare my generation to be the future leaders and citizens the world needs, connect to country and culture and to meet new people with differing backgrounds and perspectives. 

I strongly recommend anyone interested, to get involved in the Moorambilla Voices. It is truly a spectacular experience. 

About Moorambilla - https://moorambilla.com/

“Moorambilla Voices is unique in the Australian arts ecology. Through cultural immersions, partnerships with extraordinary artists and collaboration with our wonderful participants, we create a multi-arts program that speaks directly to our shared connection to country. When our children sing in language, dance together, passionately play Taiko, make lanterns, tour, record and perform we re-energise ourselves, our audiences and our songline with confidence and joy.”

MICHELLE LEONARD OAM