To The POINT
With
Kerani Francis

Competing, performing in true barbershop style

AURORA AUSTRALIS is a women’s four-part harmony a cappella group comprising 27 members.

It is affiliated with Sweet Adelines International, a women’s vocal organisation of over 30,000 members’ worldwide. This organisation is committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performance.

Aurora Australis, a new singing group rehearsing at Hunters Hill Public School, Sydney, was formed in October 2005.

The chorus sings a cappella, predominantly barbershop arrangements,but are interested in all kinds of music. Their repertoire contains songs from many eras - today’s ballads, popular show tunes, jazz, Christmas carols and favourite Australian songs.

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EARLIER THIS year the chorus competed for the first time in the Sweet Adelines Australian Regional competition in Brisbane, against choruses from around Australia.

We were placed second in the small chorus category. “We were delighted with our placing,” said team co-ordinator Jude Clarke. “Our motto is ‘we strive for excellence’ and this was a fantastic achievement.”

As well as participating in competitions, small groups are available for a variety of performances. The chorus has entertained at a Christmas in July dinner dance with a medley of Christmas Carols, at the St Ives shopping centre as part of their Christmas celebrations; at St Vincent’s Hospital Thanksgiving Service for carers; and for diners at a VIEW club luncheon. The most recent performance was at the Moocooboola Festival.

The chorus offers new members a four-week singing course at $5 per week. Prospective members are given tuition - posture, breathing etc - in small groups by the director of general singing techniques.

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THE SKILLS required of new members are the ability to sing in tune and to hold their part in the chorus. Although the ability to read music is useful, this is not a requirement as learning CDs are provided for all new songs. All members continue to receive education in the craft of singing.

We attract people of all ages - women with young children, business women, retired women - all of us looking for a new and exciting challenge and doing something we absolutely love. We have a lot of fun as we become better singers.

Membership co-ordinator Mary Byrne said: “I joined when I retired - a work colleague persuaded me to come. It was the best thing I ever did. I wish I had joined years ago. I do admire the girls in the chorus with young families who come every week. We all love singing and look forward to our Thursday night rehearsals.”

Aurora Australis is holding a new members night tomorrow (Thursday August 23) at Hunters Hill Public School Hall from 7.30-9.30pm. For further information phone Mary Byrne on 9882 1250

* KERANI FRANCIS is director of Aurora Australis.

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