PODCAST

Choral Series: Connecting with Music | 096

May 20, 2024/Debbie/

Podcast Highlights

Tune in to this episode to hear Claire discuss the excitement of introducing music on the first day of class and witnessing her students’ deep connections with music.

Claire Preston Biography

Claire Preston boasts a rich career spanning both Australia and North America, with a focus on nurturing young singers. Notably, she served as the Assistant Conductor of the Toronto Children’s Chorus and Canadian Children’s Opera Chorus. Additionally, she lent her talents as the accompanist for Canada’s leading professional choir, the Elmer Iseler Singers. Moreover, Claire was a Co-Founder of the acclaimed Exaudi Youth Choir. Upon her return to Australia, she assumed the pivotal role of Head of Choral Studies at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School. Here, she actively commissioned and recorded Australian music, fostering regular collaborations with the VCA Orchestra.

Maintaining an active presence in the choral community, Claire is highly sought after as an adjudicator for prestigious events. She lends her expertise to renowned festivals and eisteddfods, including the New Zealand Choral Federation’s The Big Sing, Festival of Voices, Australian Honours Ensemble Program, and Voices of Birralee. Furthermore, she has been a recurring guest conductor at the esteemed Gondwana National Choral School. Currently, Claire holds the esteemed position of Head of Choral and Vocal Studies at Hillcrest Christian College. Her outstanding contributions were duly recognized with a scholarship at the National Excellence in School Leadership Institute in 2020 and a prestigious Leadership Award from the Australian Council for Educational Leaders in 2021.