Information current as at NOVEMBER 2022

Richard Lawton, Musical Director, 0401 555 498 (BH + AH)

Choir's Email Address: soulsongsings@gmail.com

Choir's Website: n/a

Vision statement / Artistic goals: The choir sings in a circle, mostly without sheet music; its focus is on enjoyment and creating a community; a soiree is held every 2 months for members wanting to offer a solo/duet/trio, etc, and an Open Mike Night is held twice a year for singers to perform original songs

Voice type: SATB

Choir performs: Unaccompanied

Year Choir formed: 2005

No. of Singing Members - Currently: 2 groups, one has 30 members and is full (Mondays); a second group has 20 members and can take 10 more (Tuesdays) Desired: 10 more for Tuesday's group

Musical Repertoire: Anything but Opera!

Musical Director: Richard Lawton

No. of years in current post: since 2005

Previous musical experience: Richard trained at Dartington Hall (UK) and in Estil Technique, and has directed or performed in many pieces of music theatre, including for Sydney Theatre Company and various commercial productions; he has run choir groups on three continents, and is a specialist in fixing people's vocal problems; for three years, he sang Bass in the contemporary a cappella quartet "Velvet Groove", and was (briefly) Chair of Community Music Victoria; Richard runs three community choirs, including a sacred chants choir

Choir's past collaborations with other musical groups: The choir has worked with other choirs through events organised by Community Music Victoria

Audition: No, but prospective members should have an urge to sing

Minimum Attendance policy - Rehearsals: No Concerts: No

Membership Fees: $200 per Term, or $20 per session

Ability to read music: Not necessary

Sight-reading ability: Not necessary

Av. No. of rehearsals/week: 1

Usual rehearsal night(s): Monday and Tuesday (there are 2 groups)

Suburb: Elsternwick

Rehearsal venue: St John's Hall, Foster St, off Glenhuntly Rd

Off-street parking: Yes

Performance Apparel: Nothing specific

Av. No. of Concert Programs/year: 2

Av. No. of Performances/year: 4

Sample of the Choir's past Concert Venues: Church halls, St Michael's Church (Collins St, Melb CBD)

Examples of musical pieces performed: African, Yothu Yindi, folk

Touring: No

Administration / Governance arrangements for the Choir: The choir is run by an Administrator

Types of Committees: n/a

Own collection of music scores: No