Allison Pyke
Founder and President
I founded the Andante Andante Choir Inc. in 2004. A life time of love for ABBA's music and the
lack of opportunity to share this love outside the internet environment were the driving forces
behind my decision to start the choir. Since deciding to start the choir I have been a "Jack(Jill)-
of-all-trades" doing everything from being a:
Hildegarde Palafox
Accompanist
Ms. Hildegarde Palafox is a Philippine-born Australian Music educator. Starting to learn music
at the age of 8, she won a national youth piano competition at the age of 12 and was awarded a
piano scholarship at the University of the Philippines. She is an alumna of the University of
Santo Tomás Conservatory of Music (Manila, Philippines) graduating with the degree of
Bachelor of Music (B.M. Music Education, 1977). Committed to continuing professional
development, she has undertaken training in performance and teaching (Yamaha Music
School, Manila, Philippines 1977-1979: electronic organ, piano and YMC- Yahama Music
Course), (Australia 1992-1993, 1997-2007), pipe organ (ACT Organ School, 2005-2007), Orff-
Schulwerk (Antwerp, Belgium 1981), Church Music and Handbell Choir (USA 1986-1987) and
Choral Technique (Philippines 1977-1979), (USA 1986-1987), (Australia 1990-1991), Studio
Teaching (Australia 1988-present) and Singing (2007).
Founder and President
I founded the Andante Andante Choir Inc. in 2004. A life time of love for ABBA's music and the
lack of opportunity to share this love outside the internet environment were the driving forces
behind my decision to start the choir. Since deciding to start the choir I have been a "Jack(Jill)-
of-all-trades" doing everything from being a:
- human resources manager (finding and hiring musical directors, musical arrangers
and accompanists), - publicity officer (writing articles, giving interviews to promote the choir and encouraging
people to join), - fund raising manager,
- webmaster,
- account manger, and
- administrator.
Hildegarde Palafox
Accompanist
Ms. Hildegarde Palafox is a Philippine-born Australian Music educator. Starting to learn music
at the age of 8, she won a national youth piano competition at the age of 12 and was awarded a
piano scholarship at the University of the Philippines. She is an alumna of the University of
Santo Tomás Conservatory of Music (Manila, Philippines) graduating with the degree of
Bachelor of Music (B.M. Music Education, 1977). Committed to continuing professional
development, she has undertaken training in performance and teaching (Yamaha Music
School, Manila, Philippines 1977-1979: electronic organ, piano and YMC- Yahama Music
Course), (Australia 1992-1993, 1997-2007), pipe organ (ACT Organ School, 2005-2007), Orff-
Schulwerk (Antwerp, Belgium 1981), Church Music and Handbell Choir (USA 1986-1987) and
Choral Technique (Philippines 1977-1979), (USA 1986-1987), (Australia 1990-1991), Studio
Teaching (Australia 1988-present) and Singing (2007).
The People
While these things have been time consuming and difficult to fit into my busy schedule the thing I found the be the real challenge was
the music itself................
I do not have a background in music so I had to very quickly gain extensive knowledge in this area as musical knowledge was needed
to provide the choir with Harmony CD'S and to help with choral arrangements. Within a space of only 4 weeks I went from knowing
nothing more than the four spaces of the Treble Cleff spelt FACE to understanding enough musically to competently use Finale
software and start arranging songs for the choir. I found that I really enjoy learning about music and therefore I am now studying
music and sitting exams at Australian Music Examination Board (AMEB).
My time is given to AAC on a voluntary basis (I have a full time paid position working with statistics). My involvement is purely for my
love of ABBA's music and music generally as well as the many good friendships I have made with choir members along the way.
I would love you to join us each Monday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the Lutheran Church Hall, 6 Boolee St Reid ACT and invite you to
drop in for a look at what we do.
the music itself................
I do not have a background in music so I had to very quickly gain extensive knowledge in this area as musical knowledge was needed
to provide the choir with Harmony CD'S and to help with choral arrangements. Within a space of only 4 weeks I went from knowing
nothing more than the four spaces of the Treble Cleff spelt FACE to understanding enough musically to competently use Finale
software and start arranging songs for the choir. I found that I really enjoy learning about music and therefore I am now studying
music and sitting exams at Australian Music Examination Board (AMEB).
My time is given to AAC on a voluntary basis (I have a full time paid position working with statistics). My involvement is purely for my
love of ABBA's music and music generally as well as the many good friendships I have made with choir members along the way.
I would love you to join us each Monday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the Lutheran Church Hall, 6 Boolee St Reid ACT and invite you to
drop in for a look at what we do.
While pursuing a career as a music educator, Hildegarde has likewise performed in public (piano and electronic organ) in the
Philippines, Sri Lanka, the USA, Cambodia, Switzerland and Australia. At present, she accompanies the Andante Andante Choir Inc.
and the Sing Australia Tuggeranong Choir as the regular accompanist. She is also the relief accompanist and conductor for various
other Sing Australia choirs in Canberra. In April this year, she was the official accompanist for Sing Australia’s tour of Turkey and
Greece, which included rehearsals for the Sing Australia performances at the Anzac Day ceremonies at Gallipoli.
Philippines, Sri Lanka, the USA, Cambodia, Switzerland and Australia. At present, she accompanies the Andante Andante Choir Inc.
and the Sing Australia Tuggeranong Choir as the regular accompanist. She is also the relief accompanist and conductor for various
other Sing Australia choirs in Canberra. In April this year, she was the official accompanist for Sing Australia’s tour of Turkey and
Greece, which included rehearsals for the Sing Australia performances at the Anzac Day ceremonies at Gallipoli.
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
Nicole Nunan
Vocal Coach / Musical Director
Nicole started with Andante Andante in August 2009. Her bio will be posted in this site shortly.
Vocal Coach / Musical Director
Nicole started with Andante Andante in August 2009. Her bio will be posted in this site shortly.