Information current as at APRIL 2021

Jan Hamilton, Manager

Choir's Email Address: thechoir@live.com.au

Choir's Website: www.thechoir.com.au

Vision statement / Artistic goals: THECHO!R is Melbourne's largest non-auditioned choir open to singers over the age of 18 years; goals are to promote excellence in music-making in rehearsal and performance for singers; to provide the opportunity to share knowledge and interact socially with those who have common interests and goals; to help raise funds for various charities through concerts and performances

Voice type: SATB

Choir performs: Both accompanied &/ unaccompanied

Year Choir formed: 2009

No. of Singing Members - Currently: 120 Desired: no limit

Musical Repertoire: A range of musical styles from popular and classical music, to world music and musical theatre; incorporating innovative choral arrangements covering an eclectic range of musical styles, fused together with fun movement and 'choralography', and providing tuition, workshops and performance opportunities

Musical Director: Dr Jonathon Welch AM – Artistic Director and Principal Conductor

No. of years in current post: since 2009

Previous musical experience: Full details of Jonathon's professional career can be found at www.jonathonwelch.com

Choir's past collaborations with other musical groups: THECHO!R has collaborated with many choirs, including the Choir of Hard Knocks, School of Hard Knocks' Absolutely Everybody Choirs - Latrobe Valley Community Choir, Voices of Casey, Western Health Singers, All Together Choir, Choir of Opportunity, Voices of Frankston and Absolutely Everybody Brisbane (QLD)), The Australian Voices, African Children's Choir (Uganda), The Big Black Kaftans (SA), Gospo Music (SA), Bass Coast Chorale, Daylesford Soul Choir, UBUNTU (Uganda), Musica (QLD), Voices of Brisbane (QLD), Credo Choir (USA), Vox Harmony, City of Launceston Choir (Tas), City Mission Choir of High Hopes (Tas), Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir (NSW), Macarthur Singers (NSW), and Door in the Wall (NSW); each year it is the host choir at the Melbourne International Singers Festival (held over the Queen’s Birthday weekend in June) where THECHO!R collaborates with choirs in Melbourne and Victoria and from around Australia and overseas; THECHO!R also has the great privilege of regularly performing with Footscray Yarraville City Band, one of Australia's A Grade bands

Audition: No, although some potential members may be asked to undergo a Music Skills Audit (MSA) if the Music Director deems it necessary

Minimum Attendance policy - Rehearsals: Yes Concerts: Yes

Membership Fees: $130 per school term ($100 conc.), music bond $50

Ability to read music: Not necessary

Sight-reading ability: Not necessary

Av. No. of rehearsals/week: 1

Usual rehearsal night(s): Wednesday

Suburb: Docklands

Rehearsal venue: Community Hub at the Dock, 912 Collins St

Off-street parking: No

Performance Apparel: According to performance: Gents-all black, tie and pocket handkerchief supplied; Ladies-black pants and camisole, sparkle top provided; THECHO!R T-shirts and ladies winter uniform are available for purchase for THECHO!R members

Av. No. of Concert Programs/year: 3-4

Av. No. of Performances/year: 3-4

Sample of the Choir's past Concert Venues: Melbourne Recital Centre, Regent Ballroom, Melbourne Town Hall, Daylesford Town Hall, Deakin Edge (Federation Square), Palladium (Crown), St Michael's Church Collins St (Melbourne), Collingwood Town Hall, Fitzroy Town Hall, Wesley Church (Melbourne), NGV International, Malthouse Theatre (Southbank), St Paul's Cathedral (Melbourne), Eastbank Performing Arts Centre (Shepparton), Arts House Meat Market (North Melbourne), Chapel off Chapel (Prahran), Sydney Opera House, Thornbury Theatre, Anlaby (SA), Eugene Goossens Hall (Sydney), St Joseph Parish Hall (Wonthaggi), Cathedral of St Stephen (Brisbane), Door of Hope (Launceston), Geelong Grammar School (Corio), Sound Shell at Victory Park (Traralgon), Verbrugghen Hall (Sydney Conservatorium), QPAC Concert Hall (Brisbane)

Examples of musical pieces performed: broad spectrum of arrangements and genres: from popular, to music theatre classical, gospel, rock, world music and original works, including STREET REQUIEM composed by Kathleen McGuire, Andy Payne and Jonathon Welch, and 'The Events' by playwright David Greig

Touring: Yes - Melbourne Metro / Regional Victoria / Interstate

Administration / Governance arrangements for the Choir: THECHO!R is owned and run by Australian Pop Choirs Pty Ltd with Public Liability through ANCA

Types of Committees: n/a

Own collection of music scores: Yes

Available for hire to other groups: No