Information current as at SEPTEMBER 2016

Choir's Email Address: secretary@melbournewelshchoir.com.au

Choir's Website: www.melbournewelshchoir.com.au

Vision statement / Artistic goals: To strive for excellence in male voice choir singing; to enrich our society by bringing the music of Wales and its choral traditions to a wider audience; to assist charitable causes

Voice type: All Male Singers

Choir performs: Both unaccompanied & accompanied

Year Choir formed: 1984

No. of Singing Members - Currently: 65 Desired: 100 (especially tenors)

Musical Repertoire: Traditional Welsh choral music, operatic, contemporary and rock music, spirituals

Musical Director: David Ashton-Smith

No. of years in current post: since 2016

Previous musical experience: David is well known as a singer, conductor, arranger and music adjudicator; David is the musical director of the Ashton-Smith Singers, and is heavily involved with the Australian Pops Orchestra; David is a classically trained singer, and was principal Baritone with the English National Opera for 9 years; David has performed and taught in many institutions in Australia

Audition: Yes - vocal test by Musical Director after probationary period; previous music experience desirable

Minimum Attendance policy - Rehearsals: Yes Concerts: Yes

Membership Fees: $132 per annum (includes uniform levy); Pensioner discounts apply

Ability to read music: Not necessary

Sight-reading ability: Not necessary

Av. No. of rehearsals/week: 1

Usual rehearsal night(s): Wednesday

Suburb: Ringwood

Rehearsal venue: Federation Estate Arts Complex, Greenwood Ave

Off-street parking: Yes

Performance Apparel: Double-breasted suit, white shirt & tie - all supplied by the Choir at nominal cost

Av. No. of Concert Programs/year: 15

Av. No. of Performances/year: 15

Sample of the Choir's past Concert Venues: Sydney Opera House, Melbourne Concert Hall, National Tennis Centre, (Melbourne Park), Theatre Royal (Hobart), Robert Blackwood Hall, Government House (Melbourne), Baxter Hall (Capetown)

Examples of musical pieces performed: Traditional Welsh choral repertoire, African chants, contemporary rock music

Touring: Yes - Melbourne Metro Area, Regional Victoria, Interstate, Overseas

Administration / Governance arrangements for the Choir: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Committee

Types of Committees: Management Committee

Own collection of music scores: Yes

Available for hire to other groups: No