Aurora Australis meets each week to learn new songs, practise old ones and enjoy making music together. Vocal training forms an important part of our rehearsal. We start with some warm ups – both vocal and physical – and then you’ll get the chance to learn a new song along with the chorus members. If it all seems a bit scary, rest assured that you will be given excellent vocal instruction by our two co-directors, Karen and Sue. Over the next few weeks they will instruct you in such important skills as

• Posture and breathing
• Resonance
• Word sounds and articulation
• Rhythm and tempo
• Vocal expression

Vocal education is an important ongoing part of every rehearsal as we strive to improve our chorus sound. You will be given a ‘buddy’ from your voice part who will be there to help you with any difficulties.

Do I have to be able to read music?

You don’t have to be able to read music. When a new song is introduced, you receive the sheet music and a learning track is made available online for you in your part. Over the course of a few weeks you can download and listen to the track and learn your part. One of the most important skills is to be able to sing your part against the other three.

I haven’t sung since school!

You don’t have to be a trained singer, but you have to be able to ‘hold your part’ against the other three parts. We are all constantly striving to improve our skills, which is why we provide education in vocal production in our rehearsals.

 A Freddie Mercury moment

Do I have to audition?

Yes, there is an audition, but we try to make it as painless as possible! When you first apply to join Aurora, one of the music team will listen to you sing and ‘voice place’ you where they think your voice fits best. We will give you the sheet music and audio tracks for our two audition songs that you will be able to practise (at home and in a small group at chorus) over the next six weeks until you are ready for your audition. You don’t have to sing alone or in front of everyone – we ask you to record yourself singing in amongst the chorus and listen to that.

What are the four voice parts?

Our sections are named after the men’s barbershop voice parts –

• Lead – usually sings the melody and is sung in the range between A below middle C, and C above middle C. The lead sings the melody; therefore, they are the one responsible for conveying the interpretation, emotion and inflections of the song.  The other three parts literally “follow their lead” in delivery of dynamics and tempo, and support their inflection, artistry and finesse.

• Tenor – is a harmony part sung consistently above the lead.  Although tenor is the highest voice in barbershop harmony, it should not be confused with soprano of conventional singing groups.  The tenor should have a light, sweet, pure tone that will compliment but not overpower the lead voice.

• Baritone – is a harmony part sung below or above the melody, depending on where the melody is situated.  Baritone differs from the Alto part in traditional choral music, because it frequently crosses over the melody (lead).

• Bass – singers should have a rich, mellow voice and be able to sing the E flat below middle C easily.  Bass should not be confused with the alto of conventional groups.

We have a voice part that will suit just about anyone!

Why are you called a ‘chorus’ not a ‘choir’?

We are called a chorus because we move as we sing. We don’t hold music – it is all memorised – and we add to our performance with choreography, so it is helpful to have a sense of rhythm. ‘A cappella’ means that we do not have an instrumental accompaniment.

How much does it cost?

Aurora Australis is a member of Sweet Adelines International so, when you join, there are fees for your international and Australian membership (a one-off payment of approx. $200). There is also a monthly fee to Aurora of $55 to cover such expenses as music, copyright, hall hire etc.

Sweet Adelines International

Sweet Adelines International (SAI) is a worldwide organisation committed to advancing the musical artform of barbershop harmony through education and performance. SAI, based in Tulsa Oklahoma USA, was formed in 1945 and now has around 25 000 members in countries around the world. In Australia we have around 1200 singers in 32 choruses across the country.

When you join Aurora Australis you will become a member of SAI, committed to furthering its aims while enjoying the fun and fellowship of harmony singing. 

To learn more about Sweet Adelines International, visit the international website www.sweetadelines.com or the local Australian regional site www.sweetadelines.org.au