The Youth Choir

Youth Choir at NSTE has given young members (from primary school to university) opportunities to express themselves in a contemporary musical setting. This innovative musical undertaking, directed by Choir Director Judy Campbell, creates a lovely counterbalance to the more classical repertoire of the Adult Choir.

The Youth Choir also develops and trains musical skills in young people, who possibly could join in the more advanced Adult Choir in the future.

Music ranges from modern arrangements of chazzanut to contemporary settings of traditional prayers. Composers include Debbie Friedman, Craig Taubman and Robbie Solomon. The contemporary sound of the Youth Choir allows the youth to connect with the prayer more honestly, and therefore instils in the youth of NSTE a kavannah towards Judaism.

One of the major events for the Choir takes place every year at the Yom Kippur Afternoon Service. The Choir, soloists and instrumentalists create a unique spiritual atmosphere of the likes of which many of the congregants have never heard before. They usually rehearse for this event during the weeks before High Holy Days on Sunday Afternoons.

This group also makes various appearances in the wider community throughout the year, such as concerts at Montefiore homes. They have also performed at Yom Ha’Shoah memorials at Masada College, and even done some recording - their first recording being The Chanukah Cantata, produced by NSTE. They also were featured in the 2004 New Year celebrations as they sang a Techno version of Advance Australia Fair during the fireworks display.

They regularly features supporting the Adult Choir in concerts, most recently at the 2009 Wiseman’s Ferry Shabbaton. They performed on their own, and also were able to learn from more experienced Adult Choir members as they joined together in song.

Youth Choir is an excellent opportunity for the youth of NSTE to involve themselves in synagogue and Jewish life. They will enjoy themselves, learn some cool new music and develop  their own a connection to Judaism.

To get involved, call the office at 02 9419-7011