Information current as at SEPTEMBER 2009

Jen Skate, Musical Director, 0425 749 498

Choir's Email Address: jenmagskate@yahoo.com.au

Choir's Website: www.panafricanchoir.com

Vision statement / Artistic goals: To sing songs from across the African continent with musical integrity

Voice type: SATB

Choir performs: Both accompanied & unaccompanied

Year Choir formed: 2004

No. of Singing Members - Currently: 20 Desired: more men

Musical Repertoire: Traditional songs from many different African countries

Musical Director: Jen Skate and Chris Lesser

No. of years in current post: since 2004

Previous musical experience: n/a

Choir's past collaborations with other musical groups: African Royal Drummers, Adzohu, many of Melbourne's community choirs at local community events

Audition: No, just a willingness to sing in 8 different languages

Minimum Attendance policy - Rehearsals: Yes Concerts: Yes

Membership Fees: Ongoing fees of $10/week + GST; one-off fee of $15 + GST

Ability to read music: Desirable

Sight-reading ability: Not necessary

Av. No. of rehearsals/week: 1

Usual rehearsal night(s): Sunday

Suburb: Northcote

Rehearsal venue: Northcote Uniting Church

Off-street parking: No

Performance Apparel: Mostly black with a splash of traditional African kente print - singer's discretion

Av. No. of Concert Programs/year: 20

Av. No. of Performances/year: 20

Sample of the Choir's past Concert Venues: Boite Music Cafe, Melbourne International Festival of Arts (Federation Square), Darebin Music Feast

Examples of musical pieces performed: Malaika, Nnwonkoro, Me Yengo, Kpatsa

Touring: Yes - Overseas (the Choir undertook a study tour to West Africa for members in August 2008)

Administration / Governance arrangements for the Choir: n/a

Types of Committees: n/a

Own collection of music scores: Yes

Available for hire to other groups: No