Information current as at FEBRUARY 2009

Sarah Patterson, Musical Director, 0430 073 888

Choir's Email Address: melbacappella@gmail.com

Choir's Website: www.melbacappella.com.au/suara

Vision statement / Artistic goals: Suara is an SATB youth choir, for singers 15 – 21 years old

Voice type: Youth - SATB

Choir performs: Both accompanied & unaccompanied

Year Choir formed: 2008

No. of Singing Members - Currently: 11 Desired: 16-20

Musical Repertoire: Contemporary a cappella from a variety of cultures, including Ireland, Philippines, Australia; pop songs, some accompanied pieces, eg. choir with harp, choir with violin

Musical Director: Sarah Patterson

No. of years in current post: since 2008

Previous musical experience: Bachelor of Music / Teaching (Hons) from University of Melbourne (2003), founder and musical director of Harambee (3rd place on Battle of Choirs, and Victorian finalists in ABC Classic FM Choir of the Year 2006); currently Choral Director and Wesley College SKR; previously Head of Choral Music at Lauriston Girls’ School; member of National Youth Choir of Australia from 2004 – 2008

Choir's past collaborations with other musical groups: Harambee, Concordis, Gondwana Chorale

Audition: Yes - sing a cappella a song of own choice, plus sight-reading and aural tests

Minimum Attendance policy - Rehearsals: Yes Concerts: Yes

Membership Fees: $125 per term, plus joining fee of $30

Ability to read music: Highly desirable

Sight-reading ability: Desirable

Av. No. of rehearsals/week: 1, plus 2-day rehearsal camps once or twice a year

Usual rehearsal night(s): Sunday, 5 – 7pm

Suburb: Canterbury

Rehearsal venue: private address

Off-street parking: No

Performance Apparel: Members' own semi-formal outfits in purple and black, with silver accessories if desired

Av. No. of Concert Programs/year: 2-3

Av. No. of Performances/year: 5

Sample of the Choir's past Concert Venues: Kingston Arts Centre, St Paul's Cathedral, Box Hill Community Arts Centre

Examples of musical pieces performed: Tjak! (Hatfield), Caturog Na, Nonoy (Hernandez), Codhlaim Go Suan (McGlynn), Faith (arr. Deke Sharon)

Touring: No

Administration / Governance arrangements for the Choir: The choir is run as a part of the business "Melbourne A Cappella Studio"

Types of Committees: n/a

Own collection of music scores: Yes

Available for hire to other groups: Yes

Hiring fees apply: Yes