Information current as at MAY 2021

Choir's Email Address: vtuc@gmail.com

Choir's Website: vtuc.org.au

Vision statement / Artistic goals: To encourage trade union membership and to promote and celebrate the philosophy of trade unionism and social justice through song; to maintain and develop the rich tradition of songs of progressive labour and social movements, both past and present, Australian and international; to participate in the development of a vital trade union culture by sharing songs, skills and resources with other progressive choirs and musicians; to perform in public, particularly for trade unions and other progressive social groups

Voice type: SATB

Choir performs: Unaccompanied

Year Choir formed: 1990

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

Musical Repertoire: Traditional and contemporary songs of struggle and protest, songs of progressive social movements, union songs, women's songs, international songs of struggle, environment songs

Musical Director: Michael Roper

No. of years in current post: since 1993

Previous musical experience: Michael is a jazz and community musician and music teacher of 40 years' experience

Choir's past collaborations with other musical groups: Melbourne Workers Theatre, Donna Jackson, Rebecca Lister, other trade union and progressive choirs

Audition: No, however you need to be a member of a relevant trade union if employed, or to have been a trade union member when employed

Minimum Attendance policy - Rehearsals: Yes Concerts: No

Membership Fees: $350 voluntary levy p.a. (members are not excluded from the choir if they cannot afford the levy)

Ability to read music: Not necessary

Sight-reading ability: Not necessary

Av. No. of rehearsals/week: 1

Usual rehearsal night(s): Thursday

Suburb: Carlton South

Rehearsal venue: Victorian Trades Hall

Off-street parking: No

Performance Apparel: Black clothes with a splash of (prescribed) red

Av. No. of Concert Programs/year: 1

Av. No. of Performances/year: 12

Sample of the Choir's past Concert Venues: Victorian Trades Hall, Scienceworks, National Gallery of Victoria, State Museum of Victoria, Williamstown Town Hall, Darebin Music Feast, picket lines, rallies, National Folk Festival

Examples of musical pieces performed: "I'll be there!", a play created, produced and performed by the Victorian Trade Union Choir in collaboration with award winning playwright Rebecca Lister and our musical director Michael Roper; "Songs and Stories of Solidarity", a show on the history of the Victorian Trade Union Choir to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the Choir; 40th anniversary of the election of the Whitlam government, Commemoration service for the victims of asbestos related diseases

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

Administration / Governance arrangements for the Choir: Committee of Management

Types of Committees: as above

Own collection of music scores: Yes

Available for hire to other groups: Yes

Hiring fees apply: No