Andrew Chinn

About five years ago my sister-in-law introduced me (not in person) to Andrew Chinn, a singer/ songwriter of children's religious music. His family had moved to Canada for two years in the seventies and got to know my sister-in-law's family. He subsequently moved back to Australia, earned a teaching degree, taught for twenty years, and found his way into a career which combined two of his loves: religious education and music. He was interested in bringing his music to Canada and we discussed possibilities. I got my hands on his recordings and to this day use them in my own classroom; they are excellent. Unfortunately, Andrew has not been able to get to Canada...yet.

He is well known across Australia and New Zealand for his one-day school workshops, which culminate in an evening concert featuring students performing to and singing his songs. We just celebrated a concert this evening after a day of workshops and the results were spectacular. Andrew has a special gift of engaging, entertaining, and preparing children in a very short time for the evening performances. What is most amazing is his ability to draw out even those children who would not otherwise participate. We hope he will get to Canada...soon.

In addition to performing, Andrew also records and publishes CDs, books, and DVDs of his music. It is all very playable and child friendly. In fact, a big part of his CDs is the Butterfly Choir, students whom Andrew has encountered in his travels and has invited to sing on his album. The Butterfly Choir is different for each CD Andrew records, and for his latest recording he asked our daughter, Natalie, to join him. Needless to say it was quite an honour and a lot of fun. Check out his website for more great information on Andrew. http://www.butterflymusic.com.au/