In December 2025, our Secondary Choir of 21 students accompanied by four staff experienced an unforgettable tour of New York, the city that never sleeps.
Over 13 action-packed days, the group made every moment count, combining workshops, performances, Broadway shows and backstage experiences into a rewarding and spectacular itinerary. They also made time for bucket-list activities and sightseeing at landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street, Times Square, Central Park and the Lincoln Centre for Performing Arts.
Performances
On the fourth day of tour, our choralists delivered a standout performance at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, one of the world’s largest and most breathtaking cathedrals. Their song list featured sacred, contemporary and Australian favourites, including “Waltzing Matilda” and “I Still Call Australia Home”.
Ms Sally McHugh, the Flinders Director of Music, said the students sang beautifully. “An official praised their poise and musicianship, noting they created a moment of stillness and beauty that he would not soon forget,” she said.
The group’s final performance was a New York highlight: singing at the Empire State Building.
“Against the backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic buildings, the students delivered “I Still Call Australia Home” as their final tour piece. It was nothing short of magical,” Ms McHugh said. “Their voices echoed through the marble halls with poise and pride.”
Workshops
The tour also focused on skill development through inspiring workshops, firstly with Eric Kang, Assistant Musical Director and Conductor of the Tony Award-winning show “Maybe Happy Ending”. Eric arranged a piece especially for the choir and shared powerful insights into life in theatre. He then delighted everyone with a surprise invitation: a backstage guided tour and Q&A after that evening’s performance.
Students were also treated to a Quick-Change workshop with respected Broadway dresser Eric Strauss (“& Juliet”). He gave an insider’s view of one of musical theatre’s most fast-paced roles and a live demonstration showing how dressers help performers switch costumes in seconds. Blink and you’d miss it!
This led to the group’s own Quick-Change Challenge, a hilarious and chaotic race where pairs competed for the fastest, most organised costume swap. That evening, the group attended the Broadway production of “Death Becomes Her” and were fascinated to recognise the lessons from their workshop happening live onstage.
This led to a workshop with cast member Bethany Tesarch and Broadway star AJ Holmes (“The Book of Mormon”) who pushed everyone to capture true Broadway energy through singing and choreography. The students gave it their all! They later enjoyed a backstage tour at Radio City Music Hall with one of the Rockettes of the unforgettable dance show, “Rockettes Christmas Spectacular”.
Celebrating Friendship and Connections
A tour highlight was reconnecting with Old Flinderian Sabina Carey (Class of 2021), former Choir Captain and member of the Flinders New York Tour in 2017, who came to support the group. On the final evening, students and staff gathered for a wrap-up tour celebration to recognise student achievement, give heartfelt thanks to staff and shed a few tears in saying farewell to our Year 12s.
