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Membership · All Programs

Orchestra, Choir, Youth Orchestra & Choir, or Productions. Open across all denominations to those who support the Nicene Creed and love the arts. Based in Sydney CBD.

Thursdays

All rehearsals

7:00–9:15 PM

Core rehearsal time

UTS Building 5

1 Quay St, Haymarket

From $99/year

Concessions available

Programs & Fees

Four ways to belong.

The four Australian Christian Arts programs compared by age group, fees, entry requirement and rehearsal pattern.
At a glanceAustralian Christian OrchestraAustralian Christian ChoirYouth Orchestra & ChoirAustralian Christian Productions
Who it's forEst. 2022 · Adults 18+Est. 2024 · Adults 18+Launching 2026 · Ages 13–19Est. 2023 · Adults 18+
Membership from$99 / year$100–$300 / year$999 / year$99 / year
Entry requirementGrade 7+ AMEBSing in tune, read basic musicGrade 6+ AMEB, or a good ear to singOpen to all, no audition
RehearsalsMonthly — first Thursday, 7:00–9:15 PM, plus sectionals before concerts.Fortnightly — 1st and 3rd Thursday, 7:00–9:15 PM, Feb–Nov.Fortnightly Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 PM — separate from adult programs.Flexible — coordinated around concert production cycles.
More detailOrchestra detailChoir detailYouth Orchestra & Choir detailProductions detail

Est. 2022 · Adults 18+

Australian Christian Orchestra

Sydney's premier Christian symphony orchestra.

Fees

Annual membership$99 / year
Renewing members$49 / year
Pay-per-concert$99 / concert

Concessions & payment plans available.

Skill Level

Grade 7+ AMEB on your instrument. No exceptions — this ensures confident handling of complex arrangements.

Rehearsal Schedule

Monthly — first Thursday, 7:00–9:15 PM, plus sectionals before concerts.

Learn more
Australian Christian Orchestra members performing at Scots Church Sydney
Christian choir rehearsal with members singing in harmony
AChA ensemble during a live worship concert in Sydney

How to Join

Five steps from interest to membership.

Adult programs — Orchestra, Choir, Productions. Ages 18+.

Submit Your Interest

Complete our Programs Interest Form. Tell us which ensemble you want to join, your instrument or voice part, and a little about your musical background. Leadership reviews and may request an audition.

Video Audition (if requested)

Submit a short video of yourself playing or singing ($50). We use this to assess fit and musical level. For Orchestra, Grade 7+ proficiency is required. We will come back to you within two weeks.

Attend Your First Rehearsal

We invite you to experience the community and meet the team before any financial commitment. Come and see if it's the right fit for you.

Approval & Deposit

After approval, pay your deposit to secure your placement. Concession rates available for card holders and students. Payment plans (four instalments) available on request.

Full Member — Begin the Journey

After your first rehearsal, you become a full member. You receive your digital member pass, access to the Heartbeat online community, sheet music library, and all member resources.

A note for professional musicians

If you are a professional musician or vocalist, we have an alternative engagement method designed for your schedule and context. Submit the interest form as normal and our team will be in touch to discuss your membership personally.

Youth Programs

How Youth enrolment works.

Youth Orchestra & Choir — Ages 13–19. Parent or guardian is the contact throughout.

Parent Submits Interest

A parent or guardian completes the Programs Interest Form on behalf of their child. Tell us which program (Orchestra or Choir), your child's instrument or voice, their current level, and a little about their musical background.

Video Audition ($50)

We ask for a short video of your child playing or singing — a relaxed clip, not a formal recital. This costs $50. For Youth Orchestra, Grade 6+ AMEB is required. For Youth Choir, a strong ear and in-tune singing. We respond within two weeks.

In-Person Audition

If invited to an in-person audition after the video stage, the slot is free. If we invite your child straight to in-person without a prior video submission, the slot is $50. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend.

Approval & Membership Payment

After approval, the parent or guardian pays the membership fee ($999/year, or $1,580 for both programs). Payment plans available. Your child's place is secured and they receive their digital member pass and access to the Heartbeat community.

First Rehearsal — Begin the Journey

Your child attends their first rehearsal as a full member. Parents are welcome to observe. They'll meet Natalia and the team, be welcomed by the community, and step into something they've been looking for.

Member Expectations

What we ask of every member.

  • Minimum 70% attendance across the concert cycle to perform

  • Commitment to the organisation's mission, vision, and values

  • Regular participation in community activities including Heartbeat

  • Adherence to the AChA constitution and all policies

  • Readiness to serve Christ through the arts in all you do

  • Age 18 or over (Youth programs available separately for ages 13–19)

"This isn't just another ensemble. It's a movement — a pursuit of excellence as worship. We create experiences that matter, gatherings that resonate, and music that points people to Jesus."

— Ryan Gilpin, Founder & CEO

AChA members

Who Can Join

Age 18+

Any denomination

Sydney-based

Anglicans, Catholics, Baptists, Pentecostals, Orthodox, Presbyterians, Adventists, and many more — 20+ denominations, one musical family. You don't need to share our every theological position; you need to love Christ and love music.

Musical Repertoire

Foundation

Classical and orchestral masterworks — the bedrock of every season.

Contemporary Worship

Arrangements of well-known worship songs for full orchestra and choir.

Gospel

Rich choral and orchestral gospel tradition.

Cinematic

Film scores and cinematic orchestration that draw large audiences.

Commissioned Works

New Australian Christian compositions written for our ensembles.

Philosophy: both challenging complex pieces for technical growth and intentionally simple selections for message clarity. Different works draw different hearts to God.

2026 Performance Calendar

Three concerts this year.

Easter Night of Worship

Sat 28 March 2026

Scots Church Sydney — Orchestra, Choir & Youth combined

Past

Mid-Year Concert

Sat 29 August 2026

Call ~4:30 PM · Full run ~5–6:45 PM · Show 7:30–9:30 PM

Upcoming

End-of-Year Concert

Sat 28 November 2026

Call ~4:30 PM · Full run ~5–6:45 PM · Show 7:30–9:30 PM

Upcoming

Easter Worship Night — Adult Rehearsal Schedule

All sessions 6:45–9:00 PM unless noted · Scots Church Sydney

5 FebOrchestra & Choir — Separate Rehearsals6:45–9:00 PM
19 FebOrchestra & Choir — Separate Rehearsals+ Youth Info Night
26 FebAGM (In Person & Online)6:45–9:00 PM
5 MarOrchestra & Choir — Piano Call6:45–9:00 PM
19 MarCombined Rehearsal6:45–9:15 PM
26 MarTech RehearsalCall 6:30 PM
28 MarEaster Worship NightCall ~2:30 PM (Band ~1:45 PM)

Easter Night of Worship was held Sat 28 March 2026 at Scots Church Sydney. Dates shown for reference and returning-member planning.

Adult Rehearsal Schedule (Mid-Year → EOY)

7:00–9:15 PM · First and additional Thursdays

May 7Reading SessionALL Choir & Orchestra · 7:15–9:15 PM
May 21Separate RehearsalsChoir 7:15–9:15 PM · Strings Sectional 7:15–9:15 PM
Jun 4RehearsalALL Choir & Orchestra · 7:15–9:15 PM
Jun 18Separate RehearsalsChoir 7:15–9:15 PM · Winds & Brass Sectional
Jul 2RehearsalALL Choir & Orchestra · 7:15–9:15 PM
Jul 16Piano CallChoir & Orchestra · 7:15–9:15 PM
Jul 30RehearsalChoir & Orchestra · 7:15–9:15 PM
Aug 6RehearsalChoir & Orchestra · 7:15–9:15 PM
Aug 20RehearsalChoir & Orchestra · 7:15–9:15 PM
Aug 27Tech RunAdult run 7:30–9:45 PM
Aug 29Mid-Year Concert DayCall ~4:30 PM · Full run ~5–6:45 PM · Show 7:30–9:30 PM
Sept 17SocialAdults, youth & parents · 7:00 PM
Oct 1RehearsalALL Choir, Rhythm Section, Percussion & Orchestra · 7:00–9:15 PM
Oct 8RehearsalChoir & Orchestra · 7:00–9:15 PM
Oct 22RehearsalChoir & Orchestra · 7:00–9:15 PM
Oct 29RehearsalChoir & Orchestra · 7:00–9:15 PM
Nov 5RehearsalALL Choir, Rhythm Section, Percussion & Orchestra · 7:00–9:15 PM
Nov 19RehearsalChoir & Orchestra · 7:00–9:15 PM
Nov 26Tech RunChoir & Orchestra · 7:00–9:15 PM
Nov 28End-of-Year Concert DayCall ~4:30 PM · Full run ~5–6:45 PM · Show 7:30–9:30 PM

Youth Rehearsal Schedule (Mid-Year → EOY)

5:30–7:30 PM · Fortnightly Thursdays · Separate program

May 7, 21May Rehearsals5:30–7:30 PM
Jun 4, 18June Rehearsals5:30–7:30 PM
Jul 2, 16, 30July Rehearsals5:30–7:30 PM
Aug 6, 20August Rehearsals5:30–7:30 PM
Aug 27Tech Run5:30–7:30 PM
Aug 29Mid-Year ConcertCall 1:00 PM · Show 4:00 PM
Sept 17SocialAdults, youth & parents · 7:00 PM
Oct 1, 8, 22, 29October Rehearsals5:30–7:30 PM
Nov 5, 19November Rehearsals5:30–7:30 PM
Nov 26Tech Run5:30–7:30 PM
Nov 28Grand Finale ConcertCall 1:00 PM · Show 4:00 PM

Rehearsal Venue

UTS Building 5

1 Quay Street, Haymarket NSW 2000

Look for the yellow "UTS Building 05" signs on the brick building, glass doors. Arrive 10–15 minutes early for your first rehearsal. Bring your digital member pass with screen brightness up.

What to Expect at Rehearsal

  • A short devotion to ground the evening in worship and reflection

  • Focused repertoire practice for musical growth and concert preparation

  • Community time to connect with fellow artists across denominations

Arrive 10–15 minutes early for your first rehearsal. Bring your instrument (or voice), your digital member pass with screen brightness up, and a willing spirit. Sheet music is provided on-site and also available in advance via Heartbeat.

Public Transport

  • · Paddy's Markets Light Rail — closest stop
  • · Central Station — 5–8 minute walk
  • · Chinatown & Railway Square bus stops

Parking

  • · Market City Car Park, 2 Quay St — recommended, night rate
  • · 1 Dixon St / Darling Harbour Car Park
  • · First Parking, Darling Square

Nearby Dining

Market City / Paddy's Markets · Chinatown on Dixon Street · Darling Square dining

AChA orchestra and choir performing at a formal concert

Member Community

Heartbeat — your AChA intranet.

Every member gets access to Heartbeat — our private online community platform and intranet. Available on iOS, Android, and web at heartbeat.australianchristianarts.com.

Rehearsal Schedule

Complete dates, times, locations, special instructions, and preparation materials.

Music Hub

Sheet music organised by event, plus downloadable and streamable practice tracks for every part.

Members Hub

Vision, mission, org structure, all forms and guides, policies and procedures.

Event Info

Venues, dress codes, song lists, logistics, and collaborative project opportunities.

Group Channels

Dedicated channels per program with announcements and resources specific to your team.

Training Resources

Safety micro-courses, professional development, and organisational deep-dives.

Refer & Earn

Know someone who would love AChA? Every approved referral earns you $5 directly to your bank account. There's no upper limit — 10 referrals = $50, 20 referrals = $100.

  • Receive your unique affiliate link after joining
  • Share it with musicians and singers who'd love AChA
  • Earn $5 for every person who completes registration
  • Track earnings in your affiliate dashboard
Learn more about Refer & Earn

Before You Join

Frequently asked questions.

What belonging looks like

You will not know the person beside you in your section on the first night. By the third rehearsal they are family.

$49

Renewing members, a year

Thu

Rehearsal night

90s

Walk from the station

In their words

What belonging feels like.

"Joining AChA has made me feel connected to like-minded people, helped me develop my skills, and given me an avenue to contribute and give back to the community."

Grace

Member

"There's a sense of belonging because of shared passion, shared faith and shared purpose. A diverse group of people come together to a haven of music and not only blend in harmony but also in laughter and life experiences."

Alison

Member

"It opened me up to new perspectives, new thinking and meeting people who I'd have never had an opportunity to meet and exchange ideas and opinions."

Vivien

Member

Use your gifts for His glory.

Begin your application today. We'll guide you through the audition and answer every question along the way.

Express Interest

Thursdays · UTS Building 5, Haymarket · 18+ · From $99/year