Community
23 February, 2024
Sad end of an era
PILES of music sheets and a cabinet full of glorious trophies are all that remain at the Junior Choral Society hall on Grove St as it prepares to close the doors after 71 years training the young voices of the Far North.
On February 29, the society will officially shut the doors to the iconic hall, that has seen talented young singers come through its ranks for decades, after struggling to reach its member quota in the last two years.
Toni Dunstan, society conductor since 1985 and daughter of its founder Tom Sewell, said it was time to close the organisation’s chapter in the city’s history.
“COVID was the last nail in the coffin for us,” she said.
“After that our numbers dwindled and we couldn’t get enough members.
“I’ve also been the conductor for 39 years and needed to find a new conductor because it’s time for me to step down, but that wasn’t possible either.
“I really enjoyed spending time with the children – that was the highlight for me, having all of these children join the club and be wary of me and, by the end of the term, we’re best mates. It was amazing.”
Mrs Dunstan said she had been extremely fortunate to witness the glory days of the society.
“My father Tom Sewell and Jack Daniel founded the club in 1953. Initially it was the Cairns Juvenile Choral Society and Orchestra but after two years of having an orchestra it became only the choral society,” she said.
“I’ve been involved since the beginning. I was eight-years-old when it was founded, and it was aimed at children ages eight to 18.
“Over the years there’s been quite a number of conductors, we did pantomimes, musicals and Christmas caroling was our biggest fundraiser event.
“When I was in the choir, we had up to 120 members but generally some of the conductors wouldn’t have more than 50 or sometimes you would get 20. I had 70 at one stage.
“We have lots of trophies that we’ve won over the years. We used to compete in Cairns, Townsville, Innisfail, Rockhampton, even Brisbane at one stage.”
Mrs Dunstan thanked the community for almost 40 years of music and friendship.
“What makes me the happiest is that this was a safe place for so many children who came from troubled backgrounds and at times this was their safe haven where they wouldn’t be judged,” she said.
“It’s been an honour and a pleasure to have been there for the children of Cairns who have passed through the choir.”
