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Orchestra // Choir // Youth // Production

Join Australian Christian Arts.

Find an ensemble for yourself or a young musician. Meet others who love music, develop your craft and rehearse with us in Sydney CBD.

  • RehearsalsThursdays
  • Adults7:00–9:15 pm
  • Youth5:30–7:30 pm
  • VenueUTS Building 5, Haymarket
  • MembershipFrom $99 / year

Programs // Fees

Find your program.

Pick the ensemble that fits your instrument, your voice and your season of life. One interest form covers every program.

Parents and guardians enquire for under-18s. Young musicians aged 18–19 can enquire for themselves. Start with the form; the team will explain the audition and membership steps for your program.

Est. 2022 // Adults 18+

Australian Christian Orchestra

Sydney's premier Christian symphony orchestra.

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.

Rehearsals

Fortnightly Thursdays, 7:00–9:15 pm, plus sectionals before concerts.

Compare // At a glance

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+Established 2026 // Ages 11–19Est. 2023 // Adults 18+
Membership from$99 / year$100–$300 / year$1,499 / year$99 / year
Entry requirementGrade 7+ AMEBSing in tune, read basic musicGrade 6+ AMEB, or a good ear to singOpen to all, no audition
RehearsalsFortnightly Thursdays, 7:00–9:15 pm, plus sectionals before concerts.Fortnightly Thursdays, 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

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

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 // Ages 18+

Five steps from interest to membership.

Adult programs: Orchestra, Choir, Productions.

  1. 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.

  2. 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. The team will explain what to prepare and how to submit it.

  3. Attend your invited rehearsal

    Experience the community and meet the team before committing to membership. The team will confirm your invitation and what to bring.

  4. Approval & payment

    After your trial rehearsal and approval, pay in full or start a payment plan (four instalments). There is no deposit. Concession rates available for card holders and students.

  5. Complete your membership

    Once payment is set up, complete the onboarding steps provided by the team. 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 // Ages 11–19

How Youth enrolment works.

Youth Orchestra & Choir, ages 11–19. Parents manage enrolment for under-18s. Young musicians aged 18–19 manage their own enquiry and enrolment.

Young people don't need to be Christian to join. They must respect and support AChA's Christian faith and statement of belief.

  1. Express your interest

    A parent or guardian enquires for an under-18. Young musicians aged 18–19 can enquire for themselves. Use the Programs Interest Form to share the instrument or voice, current level and musical background.

  2. Video audition ($50)

    The team explains how to submit a short video. For Youth Orchestra, Grade 6+ AMEB is required. For Youth Choir, a strong ear and in-tune singing. The video audition costs $50.

  3. In-person audition

    An invited in-person audition after the video stage is free. An in-person audition without a prior video submission costs $50. Parents and guardians are welcome to attend.

  4. Approval & membership payment

    Membership is paid after in-person approval: $1,499/year, or four instalments of $374.75. Two children are $1,999 and three children are $2,599 for the year. Ask our team about hardship support. Under-18s enrol through a parent or guardian; 18–19-year-olds manage their own enrolment.

  5. Your first rehearsal

    Meet Natalia, the team and the other young musicians. Approved members receive their digital member pass and Heartbeat access. Parents are welcome to observe.

Member expectations

What adult membership asks of you.

  • 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 11–19)

"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 an adult program

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

Five strands, one season.

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

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.

2026 performance calendar

This year's concerts.

Past

Mid-Year Concert

Sat 29 August 2026

The Concourse Theatre, Chatswood · Times to be confirmed

Upcoming

Christmas Symphonic: Heaven & Nature Sing

Sat 28 November 2026

Vineyard Church Western Sydney, Vineyard · 7:30 pm

Adult rehearsals // Christmas Symphonic: Heaven & Nature Sing

7:00–9:15 pm · Thursdays

Adult Choir and Orchestra rehearsal schedule leading to the next concert, with dates, session type and times.
DateSessionDetail
3 SepRehearsalChoir & Orchestra · 7:15–9:15 pm
17 SepRehearsalChoir & Orchestra · 7:15–9:15 pm
1 OctRehearsalChoir & Orchestra · 7:00–9:15 pm
8 OctRehearsalChoir & Orchestra · 7:00–9:15 pm
22 OctRehearsalChoir & Orchestra · 7:00–9:15 pm
29 OctRehearsalChoir & Orchestra · 7:00–9:15 pm
5 NovRehearsalChoir & Orchestra · 7:00–9:15 pm
19 NovRehearsalChoir & Orchestra · 7:00–9:15 pm
26 NovDress RehearsalChoir & Orchestra · 7:00–9:15 pm
28 NovChristmas Symphonic: Heaven & Nature Sing7:30 pm

Easter Worship Night // Adult rehearsals

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

Adult rehearsal schedule leading to the Easter Worship Night, with dates, session type and call times.
DateSessionDetail
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.

Youth rehearsals // Christmas Symphonic: Heaven & Nature Sing

5:30–7:30 pm · Thursdays · Separate program

Youth Orchestra and Choir rehearsal schedule leading to the next concert, with dates, session type and times.
DateSessionDetail
3, 17 SepSeptember Rehearsals5:30–7:30 pm
1, 8, 22, 29 OctOctober Rehearsals5:30–7:30 pm
5, 19 NovNovember Rehearsals5:30–7:30 pm
26 NovDress Rehearsal5:30–7:30 pm
28 NovChristmas Symphonic: Heaven & Nature Sing7:30 pm

Rehearsal venue // Haymarket

UTS Building 5

1 Quay Street, Haymarket NSW 2000

Adult trial guests arrive at 6:45 pm for the 7:00 pm start. Next rehearsal: Thursday 5 November 2026.

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
Haymarket, Thursday nights
Already a member? Heartbeat, resources & forms

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

Forms // Pathways

Every form you might need.

Whether you're applying, auditioning, changing your details, volunteering, attending as a guest, or getting in touch, here's every form in one place.

Apply

Programs Interest Form

PRIMARY: every new member application starts here, adults and youth, all instruments and voices.

Audition

Video Audition Form

Submit your audition recording. Two contrasting pieces. Used for orchestra Grade 7+ and youth Grade 6+.

Guest

Guest Membership Form

Coming to a Thursday rehearsal as a guest, or attending a post-concert event? Register here.

Doorway

Find a Church Quiz

Looking for a local church that fits you? Take our church personality quiz and we'll send recommendations.

Doorway

Theological Questions

Have a faith question or want to start a conversation with someone? Our team responds personally.

Serve

Events Volunteer

Help us run our concerts. Setup, hospitality, ushering, pack-down. No experience needed.

Serve

General Volunteer

Ongoing volunteering across the organisation: admin, comms, production, pastoral care.

Update

Change of Details

Already a member? Update your phone, email, address, instrument, or section.

Feedback

Feedback

Public feedback form for anyone: members, audience, or community. Routes to our care team.

Audition bookings: $50 slot. If your video audition has been approved, the team sends you a free booking link. Questions? Contact the team.

Before you join

Frequently asked questions.

Adults // Youth // UTS Building 5, Haymarket

Use your gifts for His glory.

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