Information current as at JULY 2011

Choir's Email Address: melbournaires@optusnet.com.au

Choir's Website: www.melbournaires.com

Vision statement / Artistic goals: To promote and encourage vocal harmony and good fellowship among Chorus members; to promote public appreciation of barbershop harmony; to encourage and promote the education of Chorus members and the public in music appreciation

Voice type: All Male Singers

Choir performs: Unaccompanied

Year Choir formed: 1991

No. of Singing Members - Currently: 60 Desired: no limit

Musical Repertoire: Four-part a cappella harmony but not exclusively in the Barbershop style

Musical Director: Ian Lushey

No. of years in current post: since 2000

Previous musical experience:

Choir's past collaborations with other musical groups: Sweet Adelines International - The Melbourne Chorus and Yarra Ranges Harmony Chorus

Audition: Yes - sing 2 nominated songs in the appropriate voice part, as part of a quartet, from memory

Minimum Attendance policy - Rehearsals: Yes Concerts: Yes

Membership Fees: $50 Joining fee + $80/quarter

Ability to read music: Not necessary

Sight-reading ability: Not necessary

Av. No. of rehearsals/week: 1

Usual rehearsal night(s): Monday

Suburb: Doncaster East

Rehearsal venue: to East Doncaster Uniting Church Hall, 152 Andersons Creek Rd (Melways 34 E6)

Off-street parking: Yes

Performance Apparel: Black dinner suit, black shirt, black socks and shoes, black cummerbund and variety of coloured ties; also casual performance attire of black trousers, blue short sleeve shirt, black belt, black socks and shoes

Av. No. of Concert Programs/year: 4

Av. No. of Performances/year: 20

Sample of the Choir's past Concert Venues: Australia Day at Kings Domain (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010), BMW Edge Theatre (2007), Surrey Music Cafe (2009), Bushfire Appeal Concert Manningham City Council (2009), Fosters Movember Performance (2009); also at Retirement Villages, Hospitals, Garden Clubs, Golf Clubs, Community Fundraisers, birthdays and weddings

Examples of musical pieces performed: I Still Call Australia Home, Yesterday, Advance Australia Fair, Always, Brother Can You Spare a Dime?, The Masquerade is Over, Everything Old Is New Again, Bridge Over Troubled Water, All the Way, Love Me, Georgia on my Mind, Heart, It had to be You, Taking a Chance on Love, You Raise Me Up

Touring: Yes - Melbourne Metro Area/Regional Victoria/Interstate

Administration / Governance arrangements for the Choir: Committee of Management - President, Secretary, Treasurer + 4 members

Types of Committees: Chorus Development, Music, various sub-committees

Own collection of music scores: Yes

Available for hire to other groups: No