Information current as at APRIL 2015

Natalie Sims and Shawn Whelan, Founders, (03) 9495 6120 (AH)

Choir's Email Address: sacred_harp@yahoo.com.au

Choir's Website: www.facebook.com/groups/SacredHarpMelbourne

Vision statement / Artistic goals: The choir sings Sacred Harp music; it is non-performance, participatory a cappella singing; the choir sings for the joy of singing and runs workshops for trained and untrained singers

Voice type: SATB

Choir performs: Unaccompanied

Year Choir formed: 2001

No. of Singing Members - Currently: 30 Desired: no limit

Musical Repertoire: The Sacred Harp is a book of shape note songs; the choir sings Sacred Harp music in four part harmony in the traditional style as non-performance, participatory a cappella singing; the songs are American folk hymns dating from the 1700s to the present; go to www.fasola.org for more information on the style

Musical Director: Various - all participants are welcome to lead songs

No. of years in current post: n/a

Previous musical experience: n/a

Choir's past collaborations with other musical groups: The choir has sung with singers from the Louisville Kentucky Sacred Harp Singers, the Minneapolis-St Paul Sacred Harp Singers, Atlanta Sacred Harp Singers; special singings are held when Sacred Harp singers visit from other countries, and they hold a regular “All Day Singing” to which they invite other singers from around the world; members of the choir have also been warmly welcomed at Sacred Harp singings in Sydney, and throughout the USA and Europe

Audition: No audition, no commitment necessary

Minimum Attendance policy - Rehearsals: No Concerts: No

Membership Fees: n/a

Ability to read music: Not necessary

Sight-reading ability: Not necessary

Av. No. of rehearsals/week: 1 per month

Usual rehearsal night(s): First Sunday of every month

Suburb: Brunswick

Rehearsal venue: Brunswick Uniting Church Hall, Sydney Rd

Off-street parking: Yes

Performance Apparel: n/a - the choir does not perform

Av. No. of Concert Programs/year: n/a

Av. No. of Performances/year: n/a

Sample of the Choir's past Concert Venues: n/a

Examples of musical pieces performed: Songs from the Sacred Harp Song Book

Touring: No

Administration / Governance arrangements for the Choir: The two founders of the group organise the singings

Types of Committees: n/a

Own collection of music scores: Yes

Available for hire to other groups: Yes

Hiring fees apply: Yes