Information current as at JUNE 2005

Choir's Email Address: astra@connexus.net.au

Choir's Website: www.astramusic.org.au

Vision statement / Artistic goals: Astra presents new works from Australia and overseas in the context of older works - rich programming and a high standard of performance

Voice type: SATB

Choir performs: Both unaccompanied & accompanied

Year Choir formed: late 1950s

No. of Singing Members - Currently: 35 Desired: 40-50

Musical Repertoire: All time periods, ranging widely from mediaeval and Renaissance music through to Bach, 19th Century music, Schoenberg, electronic and post-minimal music from Australia, Europe and the USA

Musical Director: John McCaughey

No. of years in current post: 28

Previous musical experience:

Choir's past collaborations with other musical groups: Danceworks; mostly with soloists (vocal and instrumental) and Australian composers

Audition: Yes - sight-singing, voice quality tests

Minimum Attendance policy - Rehearsals: Yes Concerts: No

Membership Fees: $30 p.a. ($15 conc.)

Ability to read music: Essential

Sight-reading ability: Essential

Av. No. of rehearsals/week: 1

Usual rehearsal night(s): Wednesday

Suburb: Fitzroy

Rehearsal venue: Eleventh Hour Theatre

Off-street parking: No

Performance Apparel: Black trousers and coloured top (usually certain shades for each concert)

Av. No. of Concert Programs/year: 4 - 6

Av. No. of Performances/year: 4 - 6

Sample of the Choir's past Concert Venues: North Melbourne Town Hall, Customs House, State Library Dome, Gasworks Theatre, Meat Market Craft Centre, Northcote Town Hall, Queen's Hall (Parliament House of Victoria)

Examples of musical pieces performed: Ballads from The Mother (Eisler), Brecht Choruses (Hufschmidt), Bach Contrapunctus I (Schnebel), Lux Aeterna (Ligeti), Stabat Mater (Scarlatti), Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf (Bach)

Touring: Yes - Melbourne Metro Area

Administration / Governance arrangements for the Choir: Music Director, Manager, Board of Management which includes Choir representatives

Types of Committees: Planning - Artistic & Concert, Choir

Own collection of music scores: Yes

Available for hire to other groups: No