In a room filled with high notes and perfect harmonies, Craigslea State High School accomplished something that no other state school had done before.
Competing at the Queensland Youth Music Awards (QYMA) against some of the state’s most elite and long-established school choir programs, Craigslea’s Chamber Choir pulled off an historic win to become the first state school to take home the gold and have its name engraved on the Perpetual Trophy for ‘Auditioned Secondary Choir’.
Craigslea Chamber Choir member, Thomas, said the win was a moment that would stay with him forever.
“I didn’t know that I could lose my voice in just 20 seconds,” he said. “We all jumped up and screamed – we were so happy!”
Discipline, Dedication, and a Joyful Pop Classic
With Choir Director Mrs Jennifer Pedder at the helm, the ensemble, part of the school’s Signature Music Program, started just two years ago and is proving that with hard work, anything is possible.
“Choir members must audition to be part of the group and commit to practising every Monday and Friday at 7.30am,” Mrs Pedder said. “Singers must be able to sight-read music and carry a harmony part on their own.”
This year’s Craigslea ensemble is made up of 17 passionate members who continue to raise the bar. Although this was the group’s first time competing in the advanced section of the competition, they proved that they had earned their spot.
“There weren’t many of us, but we still filled the space with sound,” Thomas said. “Some other choirs had over 80 people!”
While the group performed three pieces in their competition set, Thomas explained that one of the adjudicators was particularly fond of their joyful rendition of the pop classic ‘Like a Prayer’.
“I quickly looked over at her during ‘Like A Prayer’ and saw her clapping,” he said. “She later mentioned that she enjoyed it so much that she didn’t have time to make any notes.”
Mrs Pedder said she was incredibly proud of the choir and that they were honoured to be amongst the other incredible schools who have previously had their name engraved on the trophy.
“Our group has been working on their repertoire for almost a year,” she said. “They can sing these songs with their eyes closed now.
“On the competition night, we were just having fun – and maybe that’s what really made the performance shine. I can’t wait to see what’s next!”
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