Why join us?
We come together every week to share the joy of making great music using nothing but our voices. As a member of Brindabella Chorus, you’ll learn more about your voice and how it works and develop your performing skills. We love performing at events around Canberra and competing with the chorus in national and international competitions.
Brindabella Chorus is a vibrant community of singers of all ages and backgrounds. We work hard and we have a great time doing it. Why not come along and try us out?
Equity and inclusion
Brindabella Chorus is committed to ensuring that every member is able to fully participate in all aspects of chorus life and benefit from all the joys of singing in harmony. We are committed to providing inclusion for singers from all cultures around the world. Brindabella Chorus welcomes cis and trans women, as well as non-binary people who are comfortable in a space that centres on the experiences of women. All singers need to be able to sing comfortably in the SAT ranges (soprano/alto/tenor).Is previous experience necessary?
Previous singing experience is not essential to become a member of Brindabella Chorus, although it's often helpful. Many of our members have no formal singing experience prior to joining the chorus.Skills required of new members are the ability to sing in tune and in time, and to hold their part while singing in the chorus. We provide training in breathing, vocal and visual performance skills. All Brindabella Chorus members strive for continuous improvement.
Voice parts
Our songs are based around singing four-part chords, so there are four voice parts. Being a barbershop chorus, we use different names to usual for the voice parts:- lead, the part that sings the melody - equivalent to the choral alto range.
- bass, for deeper voices, which provide a solid foundation for the chord. Similar range to a men's tenor.
- baritone, a harmony part, singing in the same voice range as the lead. Similar to a choral alto part.
- tenor, for higher voices, adding the top notes to the harmony. In the soprano range, but with a light clear tone to not dominate the melody below.
On your first night at chorus you will be placed into one of the four voice parts, although this may be changed if it turns out your voice is better suited to a different part once you begin to sing with the chorus.
Music
Folders with sheet music are available at our rehearsals.Members are not required to read music, as learning tracks are provided for all new songs and for the existing repertoire. We aim to sing new songs without sheet music after a few rehearsals.
Age requirements
Brindabella Chorus currently has singers of all ages. We have no maximum age limit for members. We do accept members under 18 years of age, however, youth members must demonstrate that they are able to act with maturity in an adult environment.Becoming a member of the chorus
On your first night, a member of the music team will sing with you and help decide which part is best for you, and also provide you some initial feedback.To be eligible for membership of Brindabella Chorus, you must attend a minimum of five out of eight consecutive rehearsals, then pass an audition.The audition is straightforward. You'll be advised which song or songs will be used for your audition, based on what the chorus is working on at the time. The whole chorus sings the song, and you record yourself singing it on your phone or other hand-held recording device. You cannot use your sheet music during the audition.
The Musical Director will assess the recording, listening for correct notes and words with good tuning, breathing and vocal production.
If you’re successful, the chorus management team will confirm your membership at their next meeting.
Sweet Adelines International
When you join Brindabella Chorus you will become a member of Sweet Adelines International, a worldwide organisation committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony, through education and performance.To learn more about Sweet Adelines International, visit the international website www.sweetadelineintl.org or our Australian Regional site www.sweetadelines.org.au
