OBV Studio Choir Program – FAQ

OBV Studio Choir Program – FAQ

Why was the Studio Choir Program created?

OneBigVoice has grown to the point where it produces the recordings that are used by over 8000 children every school week. OBV versions are also increasingly used interstate and overseas. (The Scottish Glee Challenge of 5500 children used an OBV version as their feature song in 2019.) In the past, OBV had adults singing on their material but recognised the opportunity to give our own gifted kids that valuable experience while at the same time, making the recordings more authentic, relatable and more useful for teachers everywhere. In doing this, OBV aims to challenge and improve all Studio Choir Program singers because we believe this advances them, inspires others and helps build a culture of singing within our community.

Is the SCP open to everyone?

Currently entry into the SCP is only available to year 6 and year 7 students from schools who have participated in One Big Voice. It is expected that most applicants will enter the SCP via our Step Up! program . The core program is a 2 year course. Choristers may continue on as part of the Uplift group, regardless of what school they subsequently attend hence the majority of the choir are now in high school.

How long does the program run for?

The core program LIFT is a 2 year course, commencing in July and spanning the full 12 months. LIFT consists of 10x 90 minute recording sessions at which choristers receive expert tuition in the fundamentals of singing. Additional activities are offered such as small-group ensemble recording sessions when smaller subsets of the choir gather to record. Live performances can occur at any time including holidays e.g. Australia Day. The Studio Choir is announced every year on the last day of Term 2. See the SELECTION page for key dates.

How much does it cost?

In 2025 the cost will be $700 for the year plus a one-time cost of $35 headphones and $40 for a shirt for new members. The cost of live appearance rehearsals is largely offset by income received from performance fees.

When are the sessions? How long are they?

8x SCP sessions will be held on the last Sunday of every month (except holidays) at The Irene Greenwood Centre at Perth Modern School with the other two sessions being conducted at Crank Studios, Perth’s top studio. Sessions go for 90 minutes. Prior to the session, students receive demo mixes of the parts they’ll be recording. Choir members are expected to do this preparation. The full schedule can be found in the SCP Calendar. Small group sessions are offered at our main studio in Girrawheen as well as the Music Room at Cockburn Youth Centre.

Who is at the sessions?

OBV’s music producer Brendan O’Brien is the director of the program. The SCP is a high-performance program and invests in the very best instruction with vocal specialists WAAPA(Hons) grad Keely O’Brien, respected music specialist Jenny Gaunt and WAAPA trained Leah McFetridge & Sofia Zaninovich. The program calls on parents to participate proactively in a similar manner to that used with junior sporting teams. Parents are welcome at all activities.

What happens in the solo sessions?

The solo sessions are one of the most popular features of the program. You will be working one on one in the studio with a producer exploring what it is that makes you unique. It is relaxed and fun. A parent is expected to be present as well. Each student is guaranteed a minimum of one solo session, although commonly extra sessions are offered. Each student receives a produced mix of their solo sessions.

Senior choristers are able to achieve professional level vocals in the studio. Madeline Clarke, now in year 12 at John Curtin College of the Arts is a 6th year chorister.

Does the Studio Choir ever perform live?

Yes! The LIVE Studio Choir appears at the massive OBV concert at RAC Arena concert and other major events. In 2021 for instance, members of the OBV20 SCP performed at RAC Arena for the Perth Wildcats Indigenous Round game and on TV as part of Telethon 2021. 2022 saw an increased engagement with appearances at the Wanneroo Festival drone show and Australia Day Citizenship event. In ’23 and ’24 the choir performed several songs as part of the City Of Perth Nativity Shows in Forrest Place, appeared again on TV on Telethon and the City of Wanneroo Citizenship event, the largest in WA. The choir performed live for well over 30,000 people in 2025-26.

Performing live with the Studio Choir is an amazing opportunity for those who are genuinely passionate about singing and able to work with others to achieve something special.

The OBV Studio Choir has earned a reputation for excellence and is in demand for large public and sporting events such as the City Of Perth Nativity event.

What type of organisation is the OBV Studio Choir Program?

The OBVSCP is an independent not-for-profit and ACNC registered charity.