SMALLEY

Smalley is a Junior Ensemble for singers in year 2 & 3 who have a passion for singing and making music.

This non-auditioned ensemble allows children to find their voice, learn musical concepts through games and fun activities, and experience the joy of singing and performing in a choir. Children who progress through this program are encouraged to continue their journey with WAYV in the Tunley Ensemble. 

The aim of Smalley is to develop fundamental singing and music skills through a fun and holistic approach to musicianship. Musicianship sessions are highly experiential, where children are engaged aurally, visually and kinaesthetically through singing games, movement, notation reading and listening, to develop the skills of aural perception, sight-singing from notation and vocal technique. 

In Smalley, choristers will enjoy and learn to sing developmentally appropriate repertoire as a chamber ensemble, and will also have the opportunity to combine with other WAYV ensembles.

This ensemble is proudly named Emeritus Professor Roger Smalley, in recognition of the significant musical and academic contributions he made to the Western Australian musical landscape.

2025 Season Dates

2026 Season Dates

Please note:
New choristers are welcome to join Smalley at the start of each season. There is a two-week “cooling off period” for all new choristers, and if you decide not to continue after this period, you will receive a full refund of any fees paid. This gives an opportunity for new choristers (and their parents or carers) to ‘try-out’ Smalley before committing to the whole season. After this time, the expectation is that choristers will attend all rehearsals and perform as part of the end-of-season concert.

Rehearsal Time & Structure:

Rehearsal Venue: Trinity College (East Perth)

Fees: For up-to-date fees information, please refer to https://wayoungvoices.com.au/fees-policies/

Please note, if a family has more than one child enrolled in WAYV, the second and subsequent siblings each qualify for a 15% discount on their fees.

Smalley Artistic and Management Team

Melissa Mason – Conductor
MTeach (Primary) – Music Specialisation
Melissa Mason is a Primary Music Specialist Teacher at the newly built Dayton Primary School in Dayton (West Swan). She currently teaches Kindy through to Year 6 Music and is working on establishing ensembles and instrumental programs as the school grows. When not at school, Melissa teaches piano, sings in Naya Chorale and serves as Secretary of the Kodály Music Education Institute of Australia (WA Branch). Melissa has done certification courses in the Kodály, Orff and Feierabend approaches to teaching music, and is passionate about providing and advocating for high-quality, best-practice music education for all children.

Jason Boron – Conductor
BMusEd (Hons) W.Aust., GradCertMus Qld., DipKodályMusEd Liszt., MA (Hons) Liszt. 
Jason Boron is a Lecturer in Music Education at Edith Cowan University (ECU) where he oversees the music specialisation for primary pre-service educators.  He is an experienced music educator having taught in early childhood, primary, secondary and tertiary settings. Jason is currently President of Kodály Australia and Vice Chairperson of the Australian Society for Music Education (ASME) Western Australian Chapter. Jason is a past recipient of the Sárolta Kodály Scholarship awarded by the International Kodály Society and was in 2020 awarded the ECU Vice Chancellor’s Staff Excellence Award for Innovative Teaching. Jason is proud to work with Melissa Foss in leading Smalley for WAYV..

Liz Dagostino – Rehearsal Manager
BEd (Primary) – Music Specialisation
Liz Dagostino is a recent graduate of Edith Cowan University, holding a Bachelor of Education with a specialisation in music. Currently working as a relief teacher across multiple schools, Liz is passionate about fostering growth and confidence in young learners. With a lifelong love of music and a background in percussion, she is eager to bring her energy and commitment to the role of rehearsal manager, supporting young musicians in their choral journey.

Contact Us about Smalley

Get in touch using the contact form below or send us an email with any queries or questions.