Information current as at NOVEMBER 2010

(03) 9836 2877 (BH)

Choir's Email Address: melbourne@niypaa.com.au

Choir's Website: www.niypaa.com.au/Australian_Youth_Choir/AYC_Home.aspx

Vision statement / Artistic goals: Established in 1975, the Australian Youth Choir is committed to providing singers with a vocal experience that encourages them to excel as artists and develop into confident, accomplished performers; through carefully sequenced choral curriculum, the Choir develops the natural voice in a supportive environment that encourages teamwork, co-operation, communication and self esteem

Voice type: Children's/Youth

Choir performs: Both accompanied & unaccompanied

Year Choir formed: 1975

No. of Singing Members - Currently: Several hundred throughout Victoria Desired: as many as wish to be involved

Musical Repertoire: Variety - sacred and secular; traditional choral repertoire and more popular songs

Musical Director: Bill Simmonds

No. of years in current post: since 1990

Previous musical experience: Secondary schools throughout Melbourne – currently at Caulfield Grammar

Choir's past collaborations with other musical groups: Vienna Boys' Choir, Keystone State Boychoir, Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale, Newark Boys Choir, English Chamber Singers, Passatempo, In Unitate

Audition: Yes, through an audition appointment, 15-20 minutes long, students are auditioned in groups, aural/rhythm and singing activities

Minimum Attendance policy - Rehearsals: Yes Concerts: Yes

Membership Fees: Choristers pay tuition fees, between $450 - $610, depending on the Level of choir

Ability to read music: Not necessary

Sight-reading ability: Not necessary

Av. No. of rehearsals/week: 1

Usual rehearsal night(s): Varies according to suburb

Suburbs: Mt Eliza & Croydon - Monday evenings; Burwood - Tuesday evenings; Berwick, Cheltenham & Geelong - Wednesday evenings; Essendon & Rosanna - Thursday evenings

Rehearsal venue: Various, mostly local churches

Off-street parking: generally Yes

Performance Apparel: Choir Robe

Av. No. of Concert Programs/year: 3

Av. No. of Performances/year: 3

Sample of the Choir's past Concert Venues: Hamer Hall and Dallas Brooks Hall

Examples of musical pieces performed: not supplied

Touring: Yes - Overseas each year

Administration / Governance arrangements for the Choir: Australian Youth Choir (AYC), incorporated in 1975, is a division of the National Institute of Youth Performing Arts - Australia (NIYPAA), governed by a Board of Directors

Types of Committees: n/a

Own collection of music scores: Yes

Available for hire to other groups: Yes

Hiring fees apply: Yes