Waratah Girls Choir

The Waratah Girls Choir was formed in 1982 under the direction of founder and artistic director Wynette Horne. Ms. Horne’s desire was to bring together girls aged 8 years – 30 years, primarily to share the enjoyment of singing as well as develop a standard of excellence through group participation, instruction and competition and to benefit from the influence of Christian teaching and values. The choir has delighted audiences in Australia and abroad achieving national and international acclaim. In 1997 the choir commissioned and performed Timothy Sexton’s Newcastle Coal Cantata which was recorded and released on CD as Australia Be Proud by ABC Music. The girls perform regularly at home for special events such as the opening of conferences, Australia Day Ceremonies and visits by overseas dignitaries.

Wynette Horne

Wynette Horne was born into a musical family and has been actively involved in musical productions and concerts all her life. As a child she studied flute and after graduating from the Newcastle Conservatorium she spent approximately twenty five years teaching the recorder and flute. Her faith, conviction, love of music and concern for young people has given her a passion to pursue what she believes to be her vocation – to encourage, develop and nurture through music the characters of young people. Among Ms. Horne’s awards is the Order of Australia.