Come by for a visit

Visit a Rehearsal

Come to a place where more than 60 women can’t wait to sing in harmony! We welcome you to get on the risers (4 tiered steps we stand on) and sing with us!

What happens when I visit?

At your first rehearsal, you will be greeted by a member of the membership committee. You have the choice to either watch us or sing on the risers with us.
If you want to sing, a member our music team will take you aside and listen to your voice in private. She will then assign you to one of the 4 vocal parts that characterize barbershop music — tenor, lead, baritone, or bass. In general, tenors sing the highest harmony notes, leads sing the melody, basses sing the lowest notes, and baritones harmonize by singing the remaining notes in the barbershop chord.

What do we do at rehearsals?

Action-packed evenings

During our rehearsals, we start off with physical warm-ups.
It looks a bit like an aerobics class in our rehearsal hall as we get our hearts pumping with a short, easy exercise routine to upbeat music.
This is to get us physically ready to start the evening and increases our physical stamina.
Next we proceed to a variety of vocal warm-ups. These teach us about proper vocal production and singing techniques under the expert guidance of our director or assistant directors.
Following that, we work on the songs we are preparing for our next competition or performance, or new songs we are adding to our repertoire.  We do this as a group and also use break out rooms for section practice with others who sing the same part as us.  Section leaders lead us through this part of our rehearsal.
The evening goes quickly, and before we know it, it’s 10:15 pm!

Can I just observe?

I’d just prefer to watch

Absolutely! Guests – both men and women – are always welcome to visit and watch our rehearsals! We often have people who come just to enjoy the singing.

Membership Age

Is there an age limit?

We welcome all ages to join Melbourne Chorus. Our members range in age from the late teens up to 70s.

Is it physically strenuous?

We typically stand for up to 2.5 hours on the risers, which takes a little getting used to and it requires concentration to breath and sing properly.  Also, we rarely stand still. Choreography enhances the music. Singers use facial expressions, arm movements and emotions to sing the message and pull the audience into the heart of the song.

Do I need to let anyone know I am coming?

Yes.  It is helpful to call us, so we know you are coming.  Please call our mobile number (0431 140450) and leave a message and if there is no answer and we will get back to you.  We look forward to seeing you!