Information current as at APRIL 2019

Ebony Birch-Hanger, Music Director, 0403 881 784 (AH)

Choir's Email Address: e.birch@hotmail.com

Choir's Website: facebook.com/spiritsounds/

Vision statement / Artistic goals: Spirit Sounds encourages well-being through music and the expression each member's personality and free spirit, through song

Voice type: All Female Singers

Choir performs: Both accompanied & unaccompanied

Year Choir formed: 2019

No. of Singing Members - Currently: 17 Desired: 26-35

Musical Repertoire: A capella canons, contemporary/popular, folk, world, Australian-composed choral, Broadway

Musical Director: Ebony Birch-Hanger

No. of years in current post: since 2019

Previous musical experience: Ebony began her music education as a chorister in the National Children's Choir of Australia, in which she was a member for almost 10 years; after pursuing music and theatre studies throughout school, she later became a specialist music and performing arts teacher in a number of primary schools where she coordinated the music programs, associated performances and mini musicals; as a young adult she was a member of Exaudi Youth Choir, directed by Mark O'Leary; for two and a half years Ebony was a conductor with Melbourne children's choir 'Southern Voices', directing both their training and performing choirs as well as developing and implementing a Kodaly training program at each level; for six years (2012 – 2018) she was Music Director of Joyful Strains adult community choir; in 2008, Ebony received invaluable music education while completing an overseas study tour at the three major European music institutes - Kodaly in Kesckemet, Dalcroze in Geneva and Orff in Salzburg; Ebony is a member of the Kodaly Education Music Institute of Australia; she has Level 3 Kodaly Music Education teaching accreditation in Secondary Classroom Music and utilises a Kodaly approach within Spirit Sounds

Choir's past collaborations with other musical groups: none yet

Audition: No - There are two groups within the choir, Choir and Chorale; no audition for either group, but must have prior choral experience to join the Chorale

Minimum Attendance policy - Rehearsals: Yes Concerts: No

Membership Fees: $20 annual membership fee, $130 per term for Choir only, $160 per term for Choir and Chorale

Ability to read music: Choir - Not necessary, Chorale - Desirable

Sight-reading ability: Choir - Not necessary, Chorale - Desirable

Av. No. of rehearsals/week: 1

Usual rehearsal night(s): Tuesday

Suburb: Dingley Village

Rehearsal venue: Christ Church, 387-405 Old Dandenong Rd

Off-street parking: Yes

Performance Apparel: Black pants/skirt, purple top (purchased from Music Director), black shoes

Av. No. of Concert Programs/year: 2

Av. No. of Performances/year: 5

Sample of the Choir's past Concert Venues: none as yet

Examples of musical pieces performed: Music Changes the World (Jim Papoulis), Kusimama (in Swahili with some body percussion, Jim Papoulis), Fight Song (Rachael Plattern), I hope you dance (Leeann Womak)

Touring: No

Administration / Governance arrangements for the Choir: all done by the Music Director

Types of Committees: N/a

Own collection of music scores: No