Join the Chorus

Brindabella Chorus accepts new members all through the year. We are always looking for women who love to sing, learn, perform and generally...have fun!

On this page you will find lots of information about the chorus, its structure and guidelines. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us.

New Members Nights

About every two years, the chorus holds a new members night, which gives a larger group of prospective members the opportunity to come along and see what we do. [Return to Top]

Christmas Chorus

In recent years Brindabella Chorus has begun a tradition of hosting a "Christmas Chorus", where we invite members of the community to join us for six weeks. We learn 8-10 Christmas Carols and then perform these at a major community event.

It's a great opportunity to sing for a short period if you cant commit to a full time chorus, or to come along and see what Brindabella Chorus is all about.

Our next Christmas Chorus will be held October - December 2007.

In past years we have had between 130 and 200 registrants for the event! Watch this space for more info! [Return to Top]

Becoming a Member of the Chorus

To be eligible for membership of Brindabella Chorus, you must first attend five out of eight rehearsals. The first night is free, and then we ask you to pay $5 per night until you become a member. To become a member you must then pass an audition, and be voted in by existing members.

The audition is straightforward. You can choose any of the songs you have learned, and while you are singing it with the rest of the chorus during rehearsal, record it on a hand-held recorder (most members of the chorus have one). You cannot use your sheet music during the audition. The Musical Director will assess the tape. She will be listening for correct notes, words, breathing and vocal production. At this stage we are looking for your potential as a chorus member rather than perfection, so a wrong note won’t rule you out. You will be notified confidentially of your assessment, and if you don’t quite make the grade on your first attempt, you can try again.

After passing your audition, members of the chorus will vote on your application for membership. The Membership Coordinator will inform you of the outcome. [Return to Top]

Voice Parts

Our songs are based around singing four-part chords, so there are four voice parts in a chorus. They are: lead, the part which sings the melody; bass, for deeper voices, which provide a solid foundation for the chord; baritone, a harmony part, singing in the same voice range as the lead; and tenor, for higher voices, adding the top notes to the harmony. Although the terminology used is for male voices, all music is written for female voices. The balance between these voice parts is critical to the sound of the chorus.

On your first night at chorus you will be placed into one of the four voice parts. As you sing with the chorus, you may wish to move to another part. You can discuss this with our director at any time. As balance is so important to our sound, we may have more need for some voice parts than others. [Return to Top]

Is Previous Experience Necessary?

Previous experience is not essential to become a member of Brindabella Chorus. Many of our members have no formal singing experience prior to joining the chorus.

Skills required of new members are the ability to sing in tune and to hold their part in the chorus. We provide training in breathing, vocal and visual performance skills. All members develop their skills over time. Perhaps the most important requirement is a willingness to learn. [Return to Top]

Music

Sheet music is provided as each new song is learned. For music already in the repertoire, see Ruth Vosseler, Music Secretary.

Members are not required to read music, as learning CDs are provided for all new songs and for the existing repertoire. They are recorded in stereo, with your voice part predominant on one channel and the other three parts heard softly on the other channel. They are updated regularly. [Return to Top]

Age Requirements

Brindabella Chorus currently has members ranging in age from early 20's to 60's. We have no maximum age limit for members.

Brindabella Chorus accepts members under 18 years of age. However, youth members must demonstrate that they are able to act with maturity in an adult environment and cope with staying up until the end of rehearsal. The chorus sometimes performs at locations licensed to serve alcohol, and also occasionally travels interstate. Parents/guardians of members under 18 are responsible for arranging suitable supervision for these events. [Return to Top]