Information current as at JUNE 2014

PO Box 307, BRUNSWICK VIC 3056

Administrator, 0478 005 988

Choir's Email Address: info@brunswickwomenschoir.org.au

Choir's Website: www.brunswickwomenschoir.org.au

Vision statement / Artistic goals: The Brunswick Women's was conceived in 1991 with an enduring vision for a space where women could come together to create power and beauty through song; the choir sings about peace and justice, love and anger, beauty and promise; their songs reflect the passions, sorrows and triumphs of life

Voice type: ALL FEMALE CHOIR (SSAA)

Choir performs: Unaccompanied

Year Choir formed: 1991

No. of Singing Members - Currently: 40 Desired: 40

Musical Repertoire: From folk to funk, and gothic to gospel, the choir finds inspiration in music from a variety of cultures around the globe

Musical Director: Cathy Nixon

No. of years in current post: since 1991

Previous musical experience: Cathy is committed to the social change movement through the arts and other community endeavours; she trained as a music teacher in the 1980's and has taught music in various forms ever since; in 1991 Cathy was approached to begin a women's choir in Brunswick and created the Brunswick Women's Choir; since the choir was formed, Cathy has been recognised several times for her personal contributions; in 2001 Cathy was included in a book published by the Victorian Women's Trust, "Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Lives"; in 2002 she was awarded the prestigious Vida Goldstein Award for contribution to the arts; as part of International Women's Day celebrations in 2003, Cathy received an award from Moreland Council for her major contribution to the well-being of the women of Moreland; Cathy is acknowledged in the wider musical arena by her peers as a skilled and visionary leader, who inspires and challenges those people who have the opportunity to learn from her

Choir's past collaborations with other musical groups: The Choir occasionally works with guest artists

Audition: No, but the Choir is presently full and has a long waiting list

Minimum Attendance policy - Rehearsals: Yes Concerts: Yes

Membership Fees: Per term: Conc $78 / $115.50 / Full: $140

Ability to read music: Not necessary

Sight-reading ability: Not necessary

Av. No. of rehearsals/week: 1 per week following the school terms, a Sunday rehearsal each term, + a weekend intensive each year

Usual rehearsal night(s): Monday

Suburb: Brunswick West

Rehearsal venue: West Brunswick Tennis Club

Off-street parking: Yes, in the Tennis Club parking lot

Performance Apparel: Performers' own blue outfits with accents of teal, black shoes

Av. No. of Concert Programs/year: varies

Av. No. of Performances/year: varies

Sample of the Choir's past Concert Venues: Abbotsford Convent, Spotted Mallard (Brunswick), Werribee Open Range Zoo, venues around Victoria, Lincoln Centre’s Avery Fisher Hall (New York!)

Examples of musical pieces performed: The music of the Brunswick Women's Choir reflects the eclectic and dynamic traditions, history and multicultural life of Brunswick; the following songs have been recorded on recent CDs: Lone Wild Bird, Great Trees, Room at the Inn, Yil Lull, Thalassa, Motherless Chil', All The Wild Wonders

Touring: Yes - Melbourne Metro Area/Regional Victoria/Interstate/Overseas

Administration / Governance arrangements for the Choir: The Brunswick Women's Choir is an Incorporated Association collaboratively run by a Committee of Management, the Choir Director, an Administrator, and volunteer working groups made up of choir members

Types of Committees: Management, various working groups

Own collection of music scores: Yes

Available for hire to other groups: No