Information current as at NOVEMBER 2009

Denise Hollingworth, Musical Director, 0431 981 652 (BH + AH)

Choir's Email Address: contact@geelongyouthchoir.com

Choir's Website: www.geelongyouthchoir.com

Vision statement / Artistic goals: To provide a high quality music education through choral performance for children and youth aged 5 to 20 years; GYC also offers a Pre-school Music Program

Voice type: Children's/Youth

Choir performs: Both accompanied & unaccompanied

Year Choir formed: 1988

No. of Singing Members - Currently: 50 Desired:

Musical Repertoire: GYC's musical repertoire is broad, ranging from contemporary Australian music, to African harmonies, medieval songs and carols; music and movement are encouraged, with young children soaking up musical concepts and training through games and play, while more experienced choristers enjoy challenging music and a high standard of musical excellence

Musical Director: Denise Hollingworth

No. of years in current post: since 2006

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 also facilitates the women's singing group, Bella Mama

Choir's past collaborations with other musical groups: Geelong Chorale, Bay City Strings, the Sudanese community, Tapiola Choir (Finland)

Audition: Yes - GYC comprises 5 levels catering for beginners through to advanced singers; children are placed in the choir level best suited to their age and vocal development

Minimum Attendance policy - Rehearsals: Yes Concerts: Yes

Membership Fees: Between $100 to $150 per term depending on the choir level; paid by the term

Ability to read music: Comprehensive training is provided in musicianship and sight-reading; the program is based on the Kodaly method

Sight-reading ability: Comprehensive training is provided in musicianship and sight-reading; the program is based on the Kodaly method

Av. No. of rehearsals/week: 1

Usual rehearsal night(s): Monday and Thursday afternoons

Suburb: Lara (Monday) and Newtown (Thursday)

Rehearsal venue:

Off-street parking: Yes

Performance Apparel: Junior choristers: choir T-shirt and black pants; Senior choristers: black shirt and pants with coloured scarf

Av. No. of Concert Programs/year: 4-8 depending on the choir level

Av. No. of Performances/year: 4-10 depending on the choir level

Sample of the Choir's past Concert Venues: Costa Hall, Carols By Candlelight, various local venues, Carnival of Choirs, Melbourne Kodaly Junior Choir Festival

Examples of musical pieces performed: St Matthew Passion (Bach), African songs and dances with the Sudanese community, medley from Les Miserables, It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing

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