Information current as at AUGUST 2008

Choir's Email Address: melbournesingersofgospel@mail.com

Choir's Website: msgchoir.com.au

Vision statement / Artistic goals:The Melbourne Singers of Gospel (MSG) is an 80-voice community choir in the style of the massed congregational gospel choirs of African-America and Southern Africa; based in South Melbourne, with members from across Melbourne, the choir was established in 2000 as an initiative of GOSAMA Inc.; MSG sings traditional and contemporary Afro-American gospel mixed with original songs written by artists within the choir, Melbourne artists and leading Australian gospel expert Tony Backhouse; well known standards are combined with a fresh repertoire of gospel spirituals, ballads, lively unaccompanied quartet style songs and funky hip hop and r'n'b gospel sounds

Voice type: SATB

Choir performs: Both accompanied & unaccompanied

Year Choir formed: 2000

No. of Singing Members - Currently: 60-80 Desired: 60-80

Musical Repertoire: The choir performs arrangements of African-American Gospel, some new works by choir members and arrangements by Tony Backhouse

Musical Director: Darren Wicks

No. of years in current post: since 2008

Previous musical experience: Darren Wicks has been teaching music for fifteen years and has firmly established himself as a leader in the field of music education; Darren has a wide teaching experience that encompasses all age groups (from infant to adult) and a variety of contexts (studio, classroom, workshops and conferences); Darren’s studies include jazz piano and education at the University of Melbourne and a Master of Music Education from Monash University; he is a graduate of the Brisbane Summer Kodály Institute, and in 2005 he completed further studies in Jazz and Gospel music at the Berklee School of Music (Boston), in Harlem and at the Manhattan School of Music; Darren is currently completing PhD studies in vocal pedagogy and conducting; he is the author of a number of publications on music education and regularly presents at teacher training workshops and conferences

Choir's past collaborations with other musical groups: Recent local artists include Mal Webb, Carl Panuzzo, Kelly Auty, Kerry Simpson, Bruce Haymes (pianist), Git, Fiona Boyes, South of the River, ISing on the Cake, PBS, Tony Backhouse and many more

Audition: No

Minimum Attendance policy - Rehearsals: Yes - 80% Concerts: Yes - 80%

Membership Fees: $80-100 for around 8-10 rehearsals

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): Tuesday

Suburb: South Melbourne

Rehearsal venue: Uniting Church

Off-street parking: Yes

Performance Apparel: Any combination of black, purple and red, no patterns; formal attire

Av. No. of Concert Programs/year: Rotating repertoire of 10-12 songs

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

Sample of the Choir's past Concert Venues: Various Town Halls and churches, festivals (including the Melbourne International Festival of the Arts), The Boite Cafe, Federation Square, BMW The Edge

Examples of musical pieces performed: Are you Ready for a Miracle, Balm In Gilead, Caught Up, Hand It Over, He'll Take The Pain Away, I'll Fly Away/Riverside/When the Saints Go Marching In, Jesus' Love Just Bubbles Over, Oh Happy Day, Out Of The Depths, Sing till the Power of the Lord comes Down, We are Climbing Jacob's Ladder, Up Above My Head (I Feel Music In The Air), Wade In The Water

Touring: Yes - Melbourne Metro Area/Regional Victoria

Administration / Governance arrangements for the Choir: Management Committee elected annually

Types of Committees: As above, with volunteers for social activities and other specific tasks

Own collection of music scores: No