Information current as at JULY 2022

Steph Payne, Musical Director

Choir's Email Address: willin.wimmin@gmail.com

Choir's Website: willinwimmin.org.au

Vision statement / Artistic goals: A women's community choir which believes singing is for everyone and through song, they support women and social justice; the choir celebrates cultural diversity; community issues and events are always at the forefront of their philosophy; very importantly, they also just sing for one another, in times of sadness, joy, longing, celebration and always with love

Voice type: SAT-welcoming anyone who identifies as a woman

Choir performs: Unaccompanied

Year Choir formed: 1991

No. of Singing Members - Currently: 20 Desired: more

Musical Repertoire: A diverse range of secular songs, mainly a cappella from various genres - world, folk, choral and contemporary, even a few originals

Musical Director: Steph Payne

No. of years in current post: since 2014

Previous musical experience: Steph Payne has been leading Community Singing and choirs of all kinds for decades; she has taught a cappella choirs folk, world, soul, jazz, classical and contemporary styles of music about hope, social justice and environmental issues, and leads with voice

Choir's past collaborations with other musical groups: During its 30+ years of singing history as a community choir, there have been many musical moments shared with other choirs and their leaders, often to add voice to a cause, a project, or a performance; Willin Wimmin is a regular contributor to local festivals and events such as those run by Newport Folk Club, performing regularly at the quarterly 'Theme Nights'

Audition: No, just a good sense of humour

Minimum Attendance policy - Rehearsals: No Concerts: Yes

Membership Fees: in 2022, $105 per school term

Ability to read music: Not Necessary

Sight-reading ability: Not Necessary

Av. No. of rehearsals/week: 1

Usual rehearsal night(s): Wednesday

Suburb: Williamstown

Rehearsal venue: Church of Christ Hall, 119 Douglas Parade

Off-street parking: No

Performance Apparel: Black pants and a block colour top (no patterns) of your choice

Av. No. of Concert Programs/year: 2

Av. No. of Performances/year: 6

Sample of the Choir's past Concert Venues: Over our 30+ years the choir has sung across a wide range of venues, from footpaths and community festival stages, to the Melbourne Town Hall, Deakin Edge, the Melbourne Recital Centre and the Maribyrong Detention Centre

Examples of musical pieces performed: The choir continued via Zoom during the Covid 19 pandemic, and performances have not been possible; new material learnt included a beautiful song sung by Karine Polwart, a Beatles classic and a couple of songs from far off lands

Touring: No

Administration / Governance arrangements for the Choir: The choir is an Incoporated Association

Types of Committees: A management committee comprising President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and 3 General members

Own collection of music scores: Yes

Available for hire to other groups: No