Sutherland Shire's Endeavour Harmony Chorus has been awarded the title of Australian Champion Chorus for the sixth time at the 2019 national competition held in Hobart on May 18.
After a year of preparation, 67 members of the group attend the annual Sweet Adelines International event which attracted 17 choruses from all over the country.
The win secures the ensemble a place to represent the Sutherland Shire and Australia in the International Championships to be held in Louisville, Kentucky in October, 2020.
On stage in Hobart, the group performed a package of two songs, comprising a ballad and an up-beat song. The four international judges scored them in the categories of music, sound, expression and showmanship and they were awarded the highest points of the competition and a standing ovation from the audience.
With only six minutes on stage to shine, it was crucial that they worked hard and smart in the 12 months leading up to the competition.
With top quality coaching and weekly rehearsals, they achieved their goal.
The chorus received a grant from Sutherland Shire Council last year which enabled the group to employ top notch coaches in voice and performance. The chorus are now looking for new singers to join them for their new member intake this June.
"This year we are looking for singers in the lowest and highest voice ranges (Bass and Tenor). However women who sing in the other two voice ranges (Lead and Baritone) are also very welcome" said Lea Baker, chorus founder and musical Director.
EHC would like to attract young women to the art of a cappella singing. Indeed the chorus has a number of mother and daughter members already.
"We have been actively seeking younger members to join the chorus, not realising that some of their mothers were also singers and joined as well."
The youngest member of the chorus, Emma, is 16. Her mother, Pam, joined the group when Emma was only six-months-old.
Pam recalls it being a struggle to take on a challenging hobby with young children but says that the chorus "provided a welcome relief from the household chores and 24 hour childcare" and that having recently moved to Australia from the UK at that time, "80 new female friends was an added bonus!"
Emma said: "EHC has been part of my life almost since I was born. I love the sense of family and love that I receive. I love coming here every Tuesday and hanging out with my other family."
Ida is 19 and sings baritone. Her mother Cecilie says "I wanted to sing in a high achieving chorus and improve my vocal skills. I love singing with other women and exchanging tips on how to improve my vocal production. I am blessed to have my daughter in the choir. She is a baritone and I am a lead, so one day we might sing in a quartet!"
Endeavour Harmony Chorus rehearsals on Tuesday nights from 7pm at the Jannali Uniting Church Hall in Box Road.
Details about joining the chorus at endeavourharmony.com
