Concerts

Since 2001, Andrew has regularly toured schools and parishes around Australia, New Zealand and in more recent times, North America. His concerts and workshops are celebrations of faith and fun through singing, actions and a bit of comedy as well. Children are very much encouraged to be active participants, rather than spectators. Andrew’s workshops and concerts are easy to prepare and can be done purely on the day itself.

The usual full-day program is a series of workshops in the morning:

COST: The cost for each visit is based on an all-inclusive per child fee (about the cost of a well-known “feeling good emotionally” meal! - GST inclusive in Australia, no GST in NZ), depending on the program selected.

Short Program: A short program is also available where Andrew spends an hour with your choir then presents an hour long concert to your school. Minimum audience sizes apply for this as well as availability being dependent on two schools wanting the same format on the same day.

Special Events:
Andrew is available for Holy Week Events and Christmas Concerts (Sydney, Wollongong, Parramatta, and Broken Bay Dioceses only). These events tend to book out 18 months in advance and preference is given to schools that Andrew has visited for his standard workshop concert days. Please note that Christmas Concerts are fully booked for 2010 and 2011.

Available in 2011 only: Holy Week Remembrances in Perth and Adelaide: due to the school holidays being earlier in NSW than in SA and WA Andrew will be taking his Holy Week Remembrances to Adelaide and Perth in 2011. Check the itinerary pages for April for available dates (WA now booked out}.

Andrew is also available for:

• parish celebrations;
• official openings/blessings of school facilities
• author/composer visits for Book Week events
• School songs- by invitation only

How Do I Book A Concert?

To book a concert check out available dates on the itinerary pages and then email or fax Andrew with your details.

To download an "Expression Of Interest Form" click here.

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Professional Development for Teachers,
Leaders of Religious Education and Principals

Andrew has hosted professional developments for educational leaders, religious education leaders in schools, classroom teachers and catechists across Australia and New Zealand. His content is suitable for primary school teachers and can be adapted to conferences, full days, half days, twilight sessions and staff meetings.

Andrew’s main presentations are:

This Day- Music and Daily Prayer for Children
This workshop provides classroom teachers with a range of strategies and songs to enhance students’ understanding of prayer and the many different ways of praying through song.

Speak My Word Today- Bringing Scripture to Life through Song
This workshop provides classroom teachers with a range of strategies using music to enhance students’ understanding of, and involvement in, scripture.

Catholic Schools Doing It Well
A Virtual Tour of Catholic Primary Schools in Australia and New Zealand with a focus on Catholic Culture
Provides teachers and leaders with an opportunity to reflect on Catholic Culture in their own school through exposure to good practices in a wide range of schools.

Together As One- Celebrating Liturgies with children
A Workshop for APREs, RECs, and DRSs, Teachers of Religion, and Catechists. Providing those who create and direct liturgies for children with an improved understanding of the place of music in the liturgy, based on the “Directory of Masses for Children”.

God Made the World…God revealed through Creation
This workshop provides classroom teachers and catechists with a range of strategies and songs to enhance students’ understanding of God revealed through the gift of creation.

Each presentation can be adjusted to suit timeslots of 60-100 minutes.

Endorsements of Andrew’s Services
Quotes from teachers, parents and children

Teachers from Our Lady of Lourdes School, Palmerston North, New Zealand, November 3, 2010

"Hi, I attended the St Paul's Camden concert tonight. It was the best school Christmas concert I’ve been to as a parent! Thank you!"
Veronica Lee, Parent, St Paul's School, Camden, NSW, AUSTRALIA, December 13 2011

"Just wanted to say a big THANKS for all the work and the energy you put into the workshops and the concert. You were a true inspiration to us all. It was lovely to see the joy you got from working with the children and the joy they experienced working with you!!!!. I've attached some of the kid's responses for you to read"

Therese Skelly, Religious Education Co-ordinator, St Mary's Primary School, Crookwell, NSW, AUSTRALIA, November 17, 2011

“Awesome and funny!”
“It was really entertaining!”
“Andrew was great fun!”
“He got everyone involved.”
“Andrew told great stories!”
“He was a cool dude!”
“I can’t believe he remembered all our names!”

Year 6 Students, St Mary's Primary School, Crookwell, NSW, AUSTRALIA, November 17, 2011

"Thank you for coming to my school and teaching us all your awesome songs. Everyone in my class (including my teacher) enjoyed the fun day and we even agreed for R.E that you were an inspirational person. I have 3 of your albums and a book with a disc from your other visits to my school. My favourite song of yours is These Hands. I remembered your two speciality bows from your last visit. Which everyone still enjoys and your jokes and your funny stories were extremely entertaining to listen to, especially the one about Eileen and the badges and also the one about the 5 year old and the buzzer (those kept us entertained a few hours after the time we spent with you)."
Jenna Adams, Room 16, St Joseph's, Pukekohe, New Zealand, October 31, 2011

"Thank you for coming to our school. I love all your beautiful songs with the awesome actions. I liked getting up at the concert and dancing and singing in front of the parents and friends, especially my mum who is a teacher at our school. I hope you had a wonderful time with us and I hope I see you again at our school."
Patrick B, Room 16, St Joseph's, Pukekohe, New Zealand, October 31, 2011
"P.S I loved all of your jokes about 5 year olds when you were teaching. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!! Any questions?"

"I liked your concert on the 31st of October we had at school. I hope you enjoyed your time in New Zealand. I can’t wait for you to come back to New Zealand and visit St Joseph’s again. Even though it was my first time being at one of your concerts, I really enjoyed your jokes and I liked your songs and funny stories like the girl Eileen and the eight badges. I liked the really cool moves like the butterfly bow and all your songs were fun to be part of and easy to sing along to."
From Grace T, Room 16, St Joseph's, Pukekohe, New Zealand, October 31, 2011
P.S. You’re my role-model.

"As a mum watching yesterdays’ concert I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your performance at St Michael's, Belfield. God has truly blessed you with a gift, the children had a wonderful time. May God bless with health and happiness because the work you do is invaluable."

Sandra Somani, parent, St Michael's Primary School, Belfield, NSW, AUSTRALIA, September 19, 2011

"Thanks so much for your visit yesterday. As always the students (and even staff) seem more vibrant for morning prayer this morning, for which they chose to sing one of your new hymns! Jackstan said last night that he doesn’t like the Walking out the Door song anymore, since it made him sad that the concert was ending :o) He also says that you are the best encourager ever!"

Tracey Kidd, APRE, Sacred Heart School, Palmerston, NT, AUSTRALIA, August 25, 2011

"Firstly I would like to say thank you!!!!!! It was an incredibly fun concert last Friday Evening. I saw young kids (many of whom would never normally be caught dead singing and least of all dancing to wonderful “Jesus” songs) completely engaged in your music. It was a wonderful thing to see and be involved in. The children must have an absolutely fabulous and fun day with you, I know Tash had a wonderful time and the joy was written all over the kids faces. So much spirituality can be expressed through music and songs."

Claire Burrows, Parent, St Bernard's Primary School, Berowra, NSW, August 12, 2011

"I wanted to thank you so much for the family concert you held last night for the students from St Columba's Primary School in Bayswater. My son Digby, is in Year One. I don't know how you did it, but you made every single individual student SHINE, and you remembered their names!!!! I think you are absolutely brilliant. Thank you so much for getting Digby up on stage!! He loves to perform and it was a dream come true for him-and for his Mum. God Bless."
Penny Pettit, Parent, St Columba's School, Bayswater, WA, AUSTRALIA, June 23 2011

"On Friday we all had a terrific day as we welcomed Andrew Chinn, affectionately known as “Chinny”, to Sacred Heart. The kids know many of Andrew’s songs and his catchy number, “These Hands”, is something of an anthem at many of our celebrations. Andrew, who sports a crop of reddish-tinged hair, is also a supporter of the ‘Australian Orangutan Foundation’ and drives a car with the number plates RANGA 1! He proved a great hit with everyone, kids, parents and teachers. His concert at the end of the day, in which each Year Level presented an item, brought our week to a close in the best possible way as we enthusiastically celebrated the many elements of the Christian story with joy and exuberance."

Vince Campbell, Principal, Sacred Heart School, Mosman, NSW, AUSTRALIA, June 17 2011

"I just wanted to let you know much I enjoyed your work with the students and staff in Barry's Bay. You managed to reach even the most reserved and skeptical kids and get them to open up to praise God in dance and song! I felt as though the Holy Spirit blew through everyone's heart that day, and we were all the richer in faith, hope and love for your visit. (And I even got to try a Maton guitar!:)
May God continue to bless you and your family in this wonderful ministry."
Tony Cosentino, RE & Family Life Resource Teacher, Renfrew County Catholic School Board, Ontario, CANADA, May 20, 2011

"I just wanted to drop you a line and say a formal thanks for your wonderful music that we continue to use. We have had four school Masses this term and each one has been made so special by your music. You really are so talented and our memories of your visit last year continue to spur us on to make music a big part of our school and parish life. Many blessings"

Shelly Fitness, Director of Religious Studies, St Patrick's School, Taupo, NEW ZEALAND, May 10, 2011

"I reflected a great deal over Easter and the holiday break on our wonderful liturgical celebration on the last day of Term 1. It’s difficult to express how proud I was of our school as a whole, students, staff and the community as a whole. It was the perfect way for us to engage the most important week in the year for us as a Church and a school. I am also aware that you have a wonderful gift that you share so willingly with all of us. Good liturgy is meant to be transformative and touch the hearts and minds of participants. You achieved that in bucket loads for us and with us."

Tony Giglia, Principal, Currambine Catholic Primary School, WA, AUSTRALIA, May 5, 2011

"Hi, I have been using your CD's in the car because I do a lot of driving by myself. I must tell you that your hauntingly beautiful Garden of Gethsemane has really struck a chord with me. Maybe it is because it is Lent, approaching Holy Week, but it has helped me to draw my thoughts and attention into Christ's Passion. The words and the music really put me in a contemplative mood. Thank you for this beautiful song. Since I am very musically challenged, but we use music a lot, it is great to have songs I can go over many times. Thank you for sharing your wonderful gift with us."
Suzy Atwood, Catechist, ARIZONA, USA April 18, 2011

"I am one of the mothers who was fortunate enough to witness part of your performance today at St. Francis of Assisi School. What a joy! It was a consolation to me that the children, including my sons, were being spiritually nourished through songs based on the truths of our faith. We need more people in the world today like you, who are prepared to stand tall in faith and use their gifts for the greater glory of God and the benefit of young children who are so receptive to all that is good and wholesome.

A big thank you from a very happy mother!"
Helen Hayek, Parent, St Francis of Assisi School, Newton, SA, AUSTRALIA, April 12, 2011

"On behalf of the staff, children and parents of Holy Family Granville East, I just wanted to say a GREAT BIG THANK YOU for last Friday's Holy Week Remembrance. The day spent with you in preparing this time of prayer and then sharing it as one community, was a new experience for our community, one that I know will stay with each of them for a long time. And for me, it was again a real joy sharing a day like this with you. You have a very special gift for bring joy to all that are blessed to share time with you.

Sue Guilfoyle, Principal, Holy Family, East Granville, NSW, AUSTRALIA, April 8, 2011

"I am a parent of children who attend Holy Rosary School in Belleville and I just wanted to say "Thank you" for the concert last night. It was FABULOUS. The kids loved it and especially loved participating in the songs. It was a night of great praise, fun and joy. I hope that you enjoy your time in Ontario and have a safe trip. Thank you for sharing your wonderful gifts and talents with all of us. Prayers and blessings"
Colleen Murphy, Parent, Holy Rosary School, Belleville, ONTARIO, CANADA, March 24, 2011

"Thanks for a wonderful weekend at the Congress.in Anaheim. I introduced you to my children this morning (4yrs. old) and they love you!!!! They already learned These Hands! Thanks again for all the great music!!!"
Sister Zina Onoro, O.D.N., Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA, USA, March 22, 2011

"Once again I would like to thank you for your visit, choral workshop and concert you so graciously presented to the students and faculty of St. Norbert Catholic School. We were truly blessed to have you visit and all very impressed with the program you presented. I hope that this will not be your only visit to our school. Our doors are open to you as well as your colleagues anytime."

John Loffer, Principal, St Norbert's School, Orange, CALIFORNIA, USA, March 22, 2011

"I went to a scripture conference a few years ago and you were the guest speaker here in Newcastle. You are very gifted and it is so great that you are able to go around Australia and overseas and touch children's lives with your music, your faith and your love. I attend a Baptist church here in Medowie and have a passion for teaching scripture. I use your song "These Hands" in my scripture classes and the children love it. I just wanted you to know that you are such a blessing to so many children and I'm sure that the Lord looks down on you and thinks how proud he is of you - 'My good and faithful servant'. Many thanks Andrew. God Bless! "
Patty Humphreys, Scripture Teacher, Medowie, NSW, AUSTRALIA, March 7, 2011

"The students loved you! Oaklee said, "It was the best fun I ever had in my whole life". And she went to Europe last year, so that's high praise!"

Maureen Tully, Principal, St Michael's School, Brunswick Junction, WA, AUSTRALIA, February 11, 2011

"I had the pleasure of meeting you at last year's Religious Ed. Congress in Los Angeles and am very much looking forward to seeing you again this year. For our 2nd grade First Communion Mass last May, our students sang "Hold My Hands" and processed out of the church as the congregation sang "These Hands." While singing we were accompanied by a 2nd grader and his dad. It was a beautiful Mass and the music (yours) was especially wonderful! Our pastor found me later in the day to express his pleasure at how everything had turned out. I know he really liked how the entire student body sang and did the hand motions for "These Hands."

I wish you and your family a very happy holiday! See you at Congress!

Janet Emmett, 2nd grade Teacher, St. Philip the Apostle Catholic School, Pasadena, California, USA, December 20, 2010

"Tuesday and Tuesday night were a fabulous celebration of song, Christmas, our kids and you! I would like to thank you for your continued generosity ... sharing your talent and gifts with children and the inspirational enthusiasm you display. I would also like to thank you for the easy-going way you work with change throughout the day. Andrew, I also appreciated the thorough way you prepare all the necessary components of the day well beforehand and have answers to questions not asked all there in the package. Many thanks!"

Olga Blom, Religious Education Co-ordinator, Trinity Catholic Primary School, Erskine Park, NSW, AUSTRALIA, December 6, 2010

"I thoroughly enjoyed your concert at St. Michael’s in Berwick during October. You have a wonderful gift and it is a joy to watch the happiness you spread."

Raelene Kennedy, Parent, St Michael's School Community, Berwick, Victoria, AUSTRALIA, December 8, 2010

"Thank you so much for the wonderful experience you gave each and every child and teacher in our school on your visit. You are an amazing gift to all with whom you come into contact. Your inclusivess of every child, memory of names and sense of joy you bring is inspirational. We look forward to seeing you again. With our heartfelt thanks."
Jenny Benbow and St Michael's School Community, Berwick, Victoria, AUSTRALIA, October 29, 2010

"Hi Andrew, I wanted to thank you & congratulate for the wonderful gift you gave to our children yesterday. Yours is truly a unique gift – we feel very fortunate to have shared in the fun! So often we all get caught up in the “busy-ness” of parenting & working that we forget just how much fun there is to be had in the everyday joys of children shining with happiness. Thank you for “re-focussing” our crazy family for a while!!!

If ever there was an example of someone who has found what he was put on this earth to do, you are certainly that person! Thank you again & God Bless."

Barbara Gallagher-Forbes (Aoife’s mum!!!), Parent, Our Lady of Lourdes School, Palmerston North, NEW ZEALAND, November 3, 2010

"Hi Andrew, Just wanted to touch base and again say 'Thank you' for a great concert. Lots of very positive feedback from both parents and children. The teachers were thrilled and are still in awe of how you had the children eating out of your hand and the ease with which you involved them all. I for one can't get the Nothing Song out of my head and I heard the preps singing it yesterday as they were working away on their writing. Thanks again."
Jackie Horgan, REC, St Joseph's School, Malvern, VIC, AUSTRALIA, October 30, 2010

"Thankyou Andrew! I think that that was probably the best day we have had with a visiting artist. The kids - all of them from Prep to Year 7 - enjoyed your day tremendously. See you in a couple of years time! Thanks so much."
Anne Marshall, APRE, St Joseph's School, North Mackay, QLD, AUSTRALIA, September 7, 2010

"Thank you for today. There was a buzz at school about how wonderful today was and how much fun the children had. Can’t wait until you return to our sunny shores again, I hope you will let us know so we can book you."

Helen Patroni, APRE, St Anne's School, Sarina, QLD, AUSTRALIA, September 9, 2010

"The children, staff and parents thoroughly enjoyed the workshops and concert during your visit to St. Joseph’s Kilaben Bay. I have received so much positive feedback. You are certainly a very talented man and I thank you for sharing your gifts with us. St. Joseph’s will look forward to your next visit."

Ruth Cootes, Religious Education Co-ordinator, St Joseph's School, Kilaben Bay, NSW, AUSTRALIA, August 12, 2010

"I was one of the lucky mums to come along to your concert at St Pius X Primary School in Manning WA last term. Thank you for your gift of song and humour which you shared with the children, teachers and parents that day. You helped our school community end the term with such joy and positive energy and reminded us just why we want our kids to experience learning and love in a Catholic school environment. Thank you!! Blessings to you and your family and please keep sharing your wonderful gift of song and God's love with our children :-)"

Sonia Nolan, Parent, St Pius X School, Manning WA, AUSTRALIA, August 12, 2010

"Just a note to say what a wonderful night we had on Monday. You could not appreciate how much that concert and Stacie's participation meant to me. I had tears in my eyes for how you bought her out and she did what she does naturally and was so rewarded by the experience. I can't thank you enough you really make a difference in others lives and in such a wonderful way with song and music. We will be looking forward to your return, also watching you on your website. Thank you so much!"

Erin Prigg, Parent, St Mary's School, Colac, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA, August 9, 2010

"I want to pass on my thanks for a fabulous music celebration last Friday night with the children from St Mary's. Congratulations for all your work with the children and for sharing your enthusiasm, love of music and fabulous talent with us all on that night. You have unknowingly provided numerous hours of enjoyment for us all. Bethany had a fabulous night and was so excited to be part of the music and it was wonderful to hear music from parts of my childhood relived on that night. Bethany is our last child, we have two sons who have had the opportunity to hear your music on different occasions and despite being embarrassed to have a mother who obviously enjoyed your music they also had a fabulous night!"
Narelle Walton, Parent, St Mary's, Beaudesert, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA, August 7, 2010

"I just wanted to express my sincerest thanks for the outstanding professional development day you conducted with our staff at Star of the Sea. The day was absoutely brilliant and exceeded all expectations. You are a very talented musician, teacher, presenter but more importantly an evangelist in a way that is not forceful - you incorporated the Catholic faith and Christian values in a way that was comfortable, gentle and inspiring. The feedback I received from staff was positively overwhelming. Many said it was the best retreat day - inservice day they had ever attended . All in all, thank you for a wonderful experience and thank you for being so easy to liaise with. I look forward to speaking and meeting with you again in the future."
Kelly Manera, Religious Education Co-ordinator, Star of the Sea School, Henley Beach, SA, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, August 4, 2010

"I just wanted to thank you for a great concert at St Mary's Beaudesert on Friday night. It was wonderful and I was a very proud mother to see my daughter up with you. Ella has not stopped talking (and singing) about it and was very happy to see her picture on your website, She sings and dances a lot at home!! We have been to all of your concerts at St Mary's and always walk away saying how great they are and the kids always enjoy themselves. You do a wonderful job with the kids, can't wait until next year's concert."

Kerri Boyd, Parent, St Mary's, Beaudesert, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA, July 30, 2010

"Well what can I say, Thursday was a huge success and the most enjoyable experience we have all had in a very long time. Thank you for your professionalism and warmth, you are so good at sharing your love of music with all age groups ! I had so many positive comments from children, parents and especially the staff. We can't wait until you come back and see us again. Thank you for enriching the lives of all of us here at St Pius X !!"

Fran Chalmers, St Pius X School, Manning, WA, AUSTRALIA, July 1 2010

"Thank you so much for the gift of your wonderful music and your wonderful website. It is so easy for our teachers to locate the songs that they need. Quite frankly Andrew it is the most user-friendly website I have ever been on."
Miles Meyers, Coordinator Catholic Education Services, Regina Catholic Schools, Saskatchewan, CANADA, April 2010

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