After nearly four decades of making music and memories, Melbourne Youth Chorale (MYC) is inviting the Gembrook community to dust off their boots and join in a lively bushdance fundraiser on Friday, 9 August at the Gembrook Community Centre.
The event is more than just a night of toe-tapping fun – it’s a chance to support a local charity that’s redefining what music education can look like.
Formerly a fee-paying performance choir, MYC is now a not-for-profit organisation offering quality music education to anyone aged three to 20, regardless of background or ability to pay.
The chorale’s manager, Kerry Alexander said the bushdance, now in its second year, is quickly becoming a cherished community tradition.
“Even though it was a wet, miserable day last year, it was so vibrant and fun that we decided to lock it in as a regular event,” Ms Alexander said.
“We would really love to have loads of people buy tickets, come along, enjoy the dancing, see the choristers perform or just have a great night out. If they’re able to donate to MYC, that would be amazing too.”
MYC has grown fourfold in just two years and now has 140 choristers across 10 different choir groups – including a choir specifically for children with additional needs led by a music therapist, and choirs for teens that support changing voices.
There’s also a comprehensive music theory program designed to give young people the foundation they need for VCE and university-level music.
The growth, Ms Alexander said, reflects a cultural shift the organisation made during the pandemic.
“We made a decision to offer quality music education without prejudice and regardless of background,” she said.
“We don’t currently charge tuition fees, we provide our programs on a ‘donate what you can afford’ basis so that any child or young person can access music education.”
That commitment to accessibility is deeply rooted in MYC’s history and community values.
Alumni from its earlier days as Berwick Youth Choir now return to give back as staff or parents.
“People who grew up in BYC are so thankful for the input into their lives that they’re passionate about giving back,” Ms Alexander said.
“Our Artistic Director and Deputy Artistic Director are both former choristers, and we’re now starting to see their kids join too, which is really cool.”
Ms Alexander said music is just the beginning of what MYC offers to young people.
“We see shy children become confident performers, we see friendships forming, and we see choristers come in a bit down and brighten up as they start to sing,” she said.
“Music is the hook, but the impact goes far beyond the notes.”
With public school music programs limited and private lessons often out of financial reach, MYC aims to fill the gap with small-group tutorials and inclusive choirs.
“At Melbourne Youth Chorale, we believe every child deserves the gift of music,” Ms Alexander said.
Operating under a donation-based model means the organisation relies heavily on external support from grants, local businesses, and individual donors.
That’s why the upcoming bushdance is so important – not only as a fundraiser, but as a way to bring people together around a shared love of music.
Tickets are available at the door or online at mychorale.au/bushdance.
“Anyone interested in our mission to change lives through music is welcome to get in touch,” Ms Alexander said.
“And if they’ve got a performance opportunity, we’d love that too.”
