Women of all ages who love to sing are encouraged to join us. You do not need to read music but be able to sing in tune and hold your part in your section.
It's not essential to have a trained voice or be able to read music as learning recordings are provided for all new songs and for the existing repertoire.
All our members have improved their singing ability with the chorus - and had fun in the process!
Becoming a Member
If you are interested in joining us, you will be placed into one of the four voice parts according to your range. As balance is so important to our sound, we may have more need for some voice parts than others.
To be eligible for membership of the Melbourne Chorus, you must first attend a average minimum of 6 to 8 rehearsals. Then you need to pass an audition. After that, you will be officially welcomed into the chorus by being 'sung in': You stand in front of the chorus with a few members and the chorus sings a song just for you. It is a lovely experience!
At this stage we are looking for your potential as a chorus member rather than perfection, so a wrong note won’t rule you out.
Voice Parts
Our songs are based around singing four-part chords, so there are four voice parts in a chorus. They are:
lead - the part which sings the melody;
bass - for deeper voices, which provide a solid foundation for the chord;
baritone - a harmony part, singing in the same voice range as the lead; and
tenor - for higher voices, adding the top notes to the harmony.
Although the terminology used is for male voices, all music is written for female voices. The balance between these voice parts is critical to the sound of the chorus.
Is Previous Experience Necessary?
Previous experience is not essential to become a member. Many of our members had no formal singing experience prior to joining the chorus.
Skills required of new members are the ability to sing in tune and to hold their part in the chorus. We provide training in breathing, vocal and visual performance skills. All members develop their skills over time. Perhaps the most important requirement is a willingness to learn.
How much time do I need to practise during the week?
The best way to learn is to practise a little every day. More commitment and sometimes extra rehearsals may be required leading up to a show or competition.
Fees
Once you have been accepted as a member of the Melbourne Chorus you need to pay the chorus fees, currently set at $40 per month.
The Melbourne Chorus is a member chorus of Sweet Adelines International Inc (SAI), and there is a once-only joining fee which covers your first year's membership of Sweet Adelines International and the Australian Region.
Fees are used for a range of purposes, for example to:
- purchase music
- pay rent on the hall for rehearsal
- support the Musical Director's costs
- cover administrative costs (postage, advertising, incorporation costs, etc)
- pay annual membership of SAI
- provide most costume items
If you are interested in joining us, please contact us and/or visit our weekly practices.
