Do I have to be a Christian to join?

We ask members to support the beliefs of the Nicene Creed: that's the bar we work from, rather than requiring a full statement of personal faith. AChA welcomes Christians across all denominations. If you're exploring or rebuilding your faith, our Doorway program at concerts is a better first step. No pressure, no sermon, just an open door.

What musical level do I need?

For the Orchestra: Grade 7+ AMEB (or equivalent conservatorium level) on your instrument. No exceptions, as we handle complex arrangements. For the Choir: confident in-tune singing, the ability to harmonise, and basic sheet music reading. Formal training isn't required. For Productions: any level, enthusiasm and a collaborative spirit are what matter.

Can I come to a rehearsal before committing?

Yes. We invite you to experience a rehearsal and meet the community before any financial commitment. Most people who come once stay, but we want you to be sure it's the right fit before you sign up.

What does membership cost?

Orchestra & Productions: $99/year for new members, $49/year to renew. Choir: $100–$300/year. A pay-per-concert option is available at $99 per concert. Payment plans (four instalments) and concession rates for students and card holders are available on request.

How does the application process work?

Submit our Programs Interest Form → we may request a short video audition → you'll be invited to your first rehearsal → after that rehearsal, you're invited to become a full member. The whole process is straightforward and we'll guide you at every step.

When and where are rehearsals?

All rehearsals are on Thursday evenings at UTS Building 5, 1 Quay Street, Haymarket (Central Station is a 5–8 minute walk). Core rehearsals are the first Thursday of each month, 7:00–9:15 PM. The Choir also rehearses on the 3rd Thursday. Extra rehearsals are added in the weeks before each concert.

What if I can't make every rehearsal?

A minimum 70% attendance across each concert cycle is required to perform. Life happens, but consistency is important for ensemble quality and community life. If you're going through a difficult season, speak to your section leader or Yvonne Jones.

Is there a fee to audition?

Video auditions cost $50. Submit via our Video Audition Form. In-person auditions are for youth applicants only. If your child completed a video audition first, the in-person slot is free. If they are attending an in-person audition without a prior video submission, the slot is $50. See the forms directory on this page for booking links.

Do I need to be from a specific denomination?

Not at all. We currently have Catholics, Anglicans, Pentecostals, Orthodox, Baptists, Presbyterians, Salvationists, Adventists, and many more: 20+ denominations worshipping and performing side by side. You don't need to share every theological position we hold; you need to love Christ and love music.

What do I need to bring to rehearsals?

Your instrument (or voice), your digital member pass (on your phone, screen brightness up for scanning), and a willing spirit. Sheet music is provided on-site and also available in advance via our Heartbeat member intranet.

Are there opportunities outside of rehearsals?

Yes. The AChA community is active outside of Thursdays. Members attend each other's churches, share meals after rehearsals, and support each other through life. Many describe the community as feeling more like a life group than an ensemble. Our Heartbeat platform hosts group channels, resources, and announcements between rehearsals.

Are you only in Sydney?

Currently yes. All programs run from UTS Building 5, Haymarket. Expansion to other Australian cities is part of our long-term vision. If you're interstate and interested, reach out and we'll keep you informed.

Orchestra // Choir // Youth // Production

Join Australian Christian Arts.

Name: AChA End-of-Year Concert 2026
Start: 2026-11-28T19:30:00+11:00
End: 2026-11-28T21:30:00+11:00
Location: Sydney CBD

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.

Express interestFull membership details

RehearsalsThursdays
Core time7:00–9:15 PM
VenueUTS Building 5, Haymarket
MembershipFrom $99 / year

Programs // Fees

Four ways to belong.

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

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

Orchestra detail

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

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

Orchestra detail

Est. 2024 // Adults 18+

Australian Christian Choir

Rich harmonies, vibrant community, music that stirs heart and spirit.

Annual membership: $100–$300 / year
Pay-per-concert: $99 / concert

Concessions & payment plans available.

Skill level

Consistent in-tune singing, ability to harmonise, and basic sheet music understanding. Formal training is not mandatory, but a good ear is essential.

Rehearsals

Fortnightly, 1st and 3rd Thursday, 7:00–9:15 PM, Feb–Nov.

Choir detail

Youth Orchestra & Choir

Professional-standard training in a nurturing Christian environment, with a pathway into adult ensembles.

Annual (Orchestra or Choir): $999 / year
Pay in 4 instalments: $249.75 × 4
Sibling support: Ask our team

Concessions & payment plans available.

Skill level

Youth Orchestra: Grade 6+ AMEB. Youth Choir: good ear and ability to sing in tune. Audition once, no annual re-audition.

Rehearsals

Fortnightly Thursdays, 5:30–7:30 PM, separate from adult programs.

Youth Orchestra & Choir detail

Est. 2023 // Adults 18+

Australian Christian Productions

The operational backbone: lighting, sound, stage management, marketing.

Annual membership: $99 / year

Concessions & payment plans available.

Skill level

Any proficiency level accepted. Enthusiasm and a collaborative spirit is what matters.

Rehearsals

Flexible, coordinated around concert production cycles.

Productions detail

Your next step

One form. Every program.

Orchestra$99 / year
Choir$100–$300 / year
Youth Orchestra & Choir$999 / year
Productions$99 / year

Concessions & payment plans available.

Express interest Membership guide

Compare // At a glance

The four Australian Christian Arts programs compared by age group, fees, entry requirement and rehearsal pattern.
At a glance	Australian Christian Orchestra	Australian Christian Choir	Youth Orchestra & Choir	Australian Christian Productions
Who it's for	Est. 2022 // Adults 18+	Est. 2024 // Adults 18+	Established 2026 // Ages 11–19	Est. 2023 // Adults 18+
Membership from	$99 / year	$100–$300 / year	$999 / year	$99 / year
Entry requirement	Grade 7+ AMEB	Sing in tune, read basic music	Grade 6+ AMEB, or a good ear to sing	Open to all, no audition
Rehearsals	Monthly, 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 detail	Orchestra detail	Choir detail	Youth Orchestra & Choir detail	Productions detail

How to join // Ages 18+

Five steps from interest to membership.

Adult programs: Orchestra, Choir, Productions.

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.

Start your application

Youth programs // Ages 11–19

How Youth enrolment works.

Youth Orchestra & Choir. 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 four instalments of $249.75). Ask our team about sibling and hardship support. 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 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

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

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

Three concerts this year.

Past

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

Adult rehearsals // Mid-Year → EOY

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

Adult Choir and Orchestra rehearsal schedule from May to the end-of-year concert, with dates, session type and call times.
Date	Session	Detail
May 7	Reading Session	ALL Choir & Orchestra · 7:15–9:15 PM
May 21	Separate Rehearsals	Choir 7:15–9:15 PM · Strings Sectional 7:15–9:15 PM
Jun 4	Rehearsal	ALL Choir & Orchestra · 7:15–9:15 PM
Jun 18	Separate Rehearsals	Choir 7:15–9:15 PM · Winds & Brass Sectional
Jul 2	Rehearsal	ALL Choir & Orchestra · 7:15–9:15 PM
Jul 16	Piano Call	Choir & Orchestra · 7:15–9:15 PM
Jul 30	Rehearsal	Choir & Orchestra · 7:15–9:15 PM
Aug 6	Rehearsal	Choir & Orchestra · 7:15–9:15 PM
Aug 20	Rehearsal	Choir & Orchestra · 7:15–9:15 PM
Aug 27	Tech Run	Adult run 7:30–9:45 PM
Aug 29	Mid-Year Concert Day	Call ~4:30 PM · Full run ~5–6:45 PM · Show 7:30–9:30 PM
Sept 17	Social	Adults, youth & parents · 7:00 PM
Oct 1	Rehearsal	ALL Choir, Rhythm Section, Percussion & Orchestra · 7:00–9:15 PM
Oct 8	Rehearsal	Choir & Orchestra · 7:00–9:15 PM
Oct 22	Rehearsal	Choir & Orchestra · 7:00–9:15 PM
Oct 29	Rehearsal	Choir & Orchestra · 7:00–9:15 PM
Nov 5	Rehearsal	ALL Choir, Rhythm Section, Percussion & Orchestra · 7:00–9:15 PM
Nov 19	Rehearsal	Choir & Orchestra · 7:00–9:15 PM
Nov 26	Tech Run	Choir & Orchestra · 7:00–9:15 PM
Nov 28	End-of-Year Concert Day	Call ~4:30 PM · Full run ~5–6:45 PM · Show 7:30–9:30 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.
Date	Session	Detail
5 Feb	Orchestra & Choir: Separate Rehearsals	6:45–9:00 PM
19 Feb	Orchestra & Choir: Separate Rehearsals	+ Youth Info Night
26 Feb	AGM (In Person & Online)	6:45–9:00 PM
5 Mar	Orchestra & Choir: Piano Call	6:45–9:00 PM
19 Mar	Combined Rehearsal	6:45–9:15 PM
26 Mar	Tech Rehearsal	Call 6:30 PM
28 Mar	Easter Worship Night	Call ~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 // Mid-Year → EOY

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

Youth Orchestra and Choir rehearsal schedule from May to the grand finale concert, with dates, session type and call times.
Date	Session	Detail
May 7, 21	May Rehearsals	5:30–7:30 PM
Jun 4, 18	June Rehearsals	5:30–7:30 PM
Jul 2, 16, 30	July Rehearsals	5:30–7:30 PM
Aug 6, 20	August Rehearsals	5:30–7:30 PM
Aug 27	Tech Run	5:30–7:30 PM
Aug 29	Mid-Year Concert	Call 1:00 PM · Show 4:00 PM
Sept 17	Social	Adults, youth & parents · 7:00 PM
Oct 1, 8, 22, 29	October Rehearsals	5:30–7:30 PM
Nov 5, 19	November Rehearsals	5:30–7:30 PM
Nov 26	Tech Run	5:30–7:30 PM
Nov 28	Grand Finale Concert	Call 1:00 PM · Show 4:00 PM

Rehearsal venue // Haymarket

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

Haymarket, Thursday nights

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.

Open Heartbeat

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

All member resources

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.

See the full forms directory

Apply

Programs Interest Form

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

Open form

Audition

Video Audition Form

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

Open form

Guest

Guest Membership Form

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

Open form

Doorway

Find a Church Quiz

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

Open form

Doorway

Theological Questions

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

Open form

Serve

Events Volunteer

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

Open form

Serve

General Volunteer

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

Open form

Update

Change of Details

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

Open form

Feedback

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

Open form

Audition bookings: free slot · $50 slot · or book a call with Ryan.

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

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

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 interestFull membership details