Information current as at NOVEMBER 2006

0402 155 146 (BH + AH)

Choir's Email Address: n/a

Choir's Website: n/a

Vision statement / Artistic goals: Bella Mama emerged as a result of a rekindling of musical joy, through experiences with members' children; they were inspired to establish the group with the aim of singing in a relaxed and supportive environment; the group welcomes women of all ages and all levels of musicianship, to share with them the joy of singing

Voice type: All Female Singers

Choir performs: Both accompanied & unaccompanied

Year Choir formed: 2005

No. of Singing Members - Currently: 20 Desired:

Musical Repertoire: Variety of music, including gospel, World Music, folk, contemporary, African, spirituals, traditional, pop, jazz

Musical Director: Denise Hollingworth

No. of years in current post: 2

Previous musical experience: MMEd, Grad Dip Ed, Grad Cert Orff Mus Ed, BECS; Denise earned a Masters Degree in Music Education, majoring in Choral Music, from the Vander Cook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois; she has a broad range of experience as a music specialist, and currently teaches music and choir in schools and community organisations; Denise is also the Musical Director of the Geelong Youth Choir

Choir's past collaborations with other musical groups: Geelong Youth Choir, Bay City Strings

Audition: No

Minimum Attendance policy - Rehearsals: No Concerts: No

Membership Fees: $10 per week paid by the term

Ability to read music: Desirable but not necessary

Sight-reading ability: Desirable but not necessary

Av. No. of rehearsals/week: 1

Usual rehearsal night(s): Monday

Suburb: Geelong

Rehearsal venue:

Off-street parking: Yes

Performance Apparel: All black with coloured scarves

Av. No. of Concert Programs/year: 4-8

Av. No. of Performances/year: 4-8

Sample of the Choir's past Concert Venues: various local venues

Examples of musical pieces performed: All That Jazz, Senzenina, You Raise Me Up, Fields of Gold, Java Jive, Angel's Carol, When I'm 64

Touring: No

Administration / Governance arrangements for the Choir: Committee of Management

Types of Committees: Management

Own collection of music scores: Yes

Available for hire to other groups: Yes

Hiring fees apply: Yes