At just six, Janice Whelan was already an accomplished accompanist, playing the instrument that would lead her on a lifelong journey of knowledge, expertise, and modesty on the piano. Now, after years of servitude to the Mackay Choral Society and the region, Janice received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to music.
If there were an epitome of what an accompanist is, a musician whose sole purpose was to allow others to be the best they can be, Ms Whelan is that epitome.
She served as accompanist for the Mackay Choral Society from 1994 to 2020 – of which she is a life member - as well as still accompanying at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in North Mackay, Holy Spirit Choir and Music Minister, as well as Emmanuel Catholic Primary.
“I accepted it on behalf of all the accompanists, because it’s not often a role that receives this kind of recognition,” Janice said.
“I would be more comfortable in the background, and I suppose that’s why I’m a good accompanist!”
A calling that spanned so long and so many events has touched so many lives, with mentors and mentoring, where she said she passed on the lessons of her storied musical career.
“I want to thank those mentors that I had over my years, because I had many, each of them different and varied in good ways,” she said.
“There are too many to mention and I don’t want to miss naming them!”
Working at the Eisteddfod each year, Janice said that it gave her opportunities to forge friendships and bonds with many young artists, especially with her role as an accompanist.
She worked with one student in particular for twenty years, following her all the way to the Sydney Eisteddfod, and enabling her to become the musician and singer she is today.
Janice said that, for her, one of the most significant and beautiful moments of her career was when a girl from Emmanuel College in grade three gave her a letter which said: The way I see you is not as an old lady, I see you as a shining rainbow.
“I showed my entire family the letter at Christmas and they were all crying,” Janice said.
Of her three children and three grandchildren, she’s passed on her love and passion for music, especially to her son, who works as an instrumental teacher and trombonist.
The Mackay Choral Society said that they “cannot think of anyone more worthy of this prestigious award.”
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