![]() We are honoured to be the 2022 recipients of the Lindsey Dyer Achievement Award. This award was established in memory of the late Lindsey Dyer, who was a passionate leader within Sweet Adelines Australia. Lindsey contributed to the organisation in many ways: as an eight-time winning bass in three champion quartets, Master Co-Director of a champion chorus, a founding Director of two choruses, a member of the Regional Education Faculty, Education Coordinator, Directors' Coordinator, a mentor, coach, and friend to many. The award is open to choruses and quartets which, over the last year, have worked to improve their performance and skills while upholding the values of Sweet Adelines International in Australia. This may be demonstrated by consistent attendance at regional education events, working with Regional Education Faculty and/or coaches, engagement with the community, positive group culture and, most of all, a love of barbershop with demonstrable initiative and commitment to the values of Sweet Adelines International. ![]() | |
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We were thrilled to perform at the Barbershop Harmony Australia (BHA) Victorian Region contest. This event is a fantastic opportunity to receive feedback so that we can keep improving and we also happened to get the top score out of the three competing choruses! Special congratulations to Adele, Clare, Jess and Teresa who made their performance debut with Vocal Vibes. ![]() ![]() | |
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![]() Our next recipient of the Vocal Vibes Values award is Bridget Rolfe. You can read the reasons that Nadine (previous recipient) nominate Bridget below. Bridget demonstrates all of the Vocal Vibes Values, but I would particularly like to commend her for “THE DRIVE”. One of the ways in which she has shown that she is truly COMMITTED is through her dedication to the role of Costume Coordinator which she has held ever since the Vocal Vibes Chorus began! When I joined Vocal Vibes I will never forget that Bridget invited me to her home, and I was surprised to discover she had a full wardrobe of costumes, shoes, fabric and accessories there! She measured me up and fitted me out with what I needed, and I know she sews and repairs as necessary to fit. She is a true PROFESSIONAL. Although before my time, I love hearing the story of when Bridget was ADAPTABLE and showed DETERMINATION by turning the red dresses into the red tops that we love to wear to every Christmas sing out. These were also values on display by Bridget during COVID, when she was able to teach us how to use stage make-up on Zoom. Bridget has truly MASTERED this important role in the Chorus, as well as being a wonderful contributor to the Visual Team and Chorus generally. |
Thinking of visiting? We have a reduced rehearsal schedule in April due to a retreat and some upcoming public holidays so please email info@vocalvibes.org.au before attending. We'll be back every week in May! ![]() |
![]() Give a warm welcome to our 100th ever Vocal Vibes member! We knew Adele was going to be a wonderful addition to our lead section when she sang 'Rolling in the Deep' with us on her first night... She's also set the benchmark for fastest audition time with three songs passed in three weeks which happens to be the minimum number of rehearsals that you need to attend before applying for membership! 👏👏👏 |
![]() Our motto for the year is 'We will adjust'!This has been evident in our flexible approach to rehearsals to make sure we can spend as much time outside as possible while trying to stay out of the sun. We usually do our physical warm ups and vocal warm ups together inside on the nice flat floor then break up into smaller outdoor sectional rehearsals before coming back together to rehearse out the front on risers.If you are planning to visit a rehearsal the first step is to enter through the front and check in and we will allocate a buddy to help you to navigate rehearsal as we move around. Please let us know to look out for you by emailing info@vocalvibes.org.au You can check out more recent photos from rehearsal on our Facebook page. |
![]() Vocal Vibes is starting off 2022 by learning 'Over the Rainbow'. Rehearsals start on Monday 31st of January and we are holding a workshop on Saturday 5th February to kick off the year. If you would like more information on how to join us please email info@vocalvibes.org.au. We'd love to hear how we can help you take the next step in your singing journey! |
The Brenda Smith Award for 2021 goes to Sue Harvey!This award, affectionately known as "The Brenda" is awarded to a chorus member nominated by the members as displaying all of the Vocal Vibes Values as well as commitment to advancing their vocal skills Keep reading for some of the reasons members nominated Sue:
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![]() We are back rehearsing in person and there are two more open rehearsals for 2021. Email info@vocalvibes.org.au to let us know that you're coming or to find out more information! |
![]() "Even though we havent been physically together now for a few months I have seen Nadine working behind the scenes helping with warm ups, visual assistance and anything Henrietta asks for assistance with and she did actually work in the group to develop VV values. Hard to single one person out of our large group of members who are working behind the scenes to keep us all motivated but I know Nadine does put her hand up to help out often and her contributions are always well received." Congratulations Nadine! |
Today we celebrate the life of Debbie Neilsen. Deb was a founding member and driving force of Vocal Vibes. She served in many roles including Lead Section Leader, Assistant Director, Makeup Chair, Management Team Member. Her passion, tenacity and resilience helped lay the foundations of Vocal Vibes. Deb passed away on 27th September 2021 following three years of treatment for breast cancer. To honour her memory we will be making a donation to Thursday Girls. Thank you for everything Debbie. | |
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For more information, see: | thursdaygirls.org/ |
It ended up with all 3 weeks on zoom but we couldn't help falling in love with our guests! Thank you for spending your Monday evenings with us ![]() We are still rehearsing every week on zoom while restrictions are in place and we're excited to see some of our participants progressing to audition for membership. If you would like to visit a zoom rehearsal please email info@vocalvibes.org.au and we will send you the zoom link and rehearsal details. |
We are throwing open the doors and welcoming new singers to learn the beautiful ballad 'I Can't Help Falling in Love With You'. In these uncertain times there is no time like the present to start a new hobby! $30 covers all three weeks.Register online through TryBooking. https://www.trybooking.com/BSNNR With the changes to restrictions we are planning for the first two weeks of the course to be run on zoom and the third to be "in-person". There are limited places available so make sure you register to secure your place! | |
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For more information, see: | www.trybooking.com/BSNNR |
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It's been two years since we were invited to perform as part of the 'Back to the Future' show with the Melbournaires! To reminisce, our director Henrietta had a chat with Carla who made her Vocal Vibes debut on the front row for this performance. | |
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With the Melbourne lockdown we're back on Zoom this week. If you're keen to join us email info@vocalvibes.org.au and we will send you all of the details. Visitors are still welcome to attend Zoom rehearsals and if you are interested in becoming a member of Vocal Vibes we can place you in one of the four voice parts and tell you a bit more about the journey to membership. The advantage of being voice placed is that it means you can get a head start on learning the audition songs before we see you "in person". For more information on the audition process, visit our 'Join Us' page. We will be back to rehearsing in person as soon as restrictions indicate that it is safe to do so! Keep an eye on our Facebook page to stay up to date. | |
For more information, see: | www.vocalvibes.org.au/dbpage.php?pg=visit |
Our chorus year wraps up a bit earlier than usual tonight and what a year it's been! Let's take a look back on 2020... | |
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Vocal Vibes have been busy during the Covid-19 experience. Henrietta and her team have done a brilliant job of keeping the momentum of this vibrant chorus going. Our Zoom meetings are the absolute highlight of our chorus week, and we have welcomed our newest member Katrina (who we look forward to meeting in person)! There have been many highlights, with perhaps the most significant being our 10-Year anniversary on 14th July. This was celebrated with a special afternoon event. Faye and Sam spent many hours compiling a variety of videos and photos to revisit the exciting journey of Vocal Vibes. We dressed up in our first convention costume, complete with makeup and watched the videos of the four convention contests we have competed in. A fun, GoggleBox style commentary from some of the members ensured lots of laughs. ![]() We were joined by special presenter Brenda Smith, our founding choreographer as she and Lorraine, our founding director shared wonderful memories. Messages of congratulations were received from regional leaders Michelle Neller (SAA TC), Jenni Pyefinch (Director’s Co-ordinator), and Vicki Dwyer. Gail Jencik (our last coach before lockdown) sent her video of congratulations and the dynamic Lynne Smith dropped into our Zoom celebrations to surprise us all. Members received a Vocal Vibes 10-year membership badge in the mail, and we hope it won’t be too long before we can celebrate face to face in true Vocal Vibes style. ![]() Another major highlight was our Trivia Night, hosted by Kate & Andrew Hawkins. Team “Let’s Get Quizzical” took out the honors but a fun night, filled with laughter, a baby photo guessing competition, and a test of our Barbershop/SAI knowledge/Vocal Vibes history was had by all. ![]() The Management Team and members acknowledge the hard work of the 10-Year Anniversary Team. They have had to change their plans to suit Covid 19 restrictions and we thank the team of Lorraine, Faye, Sam & Bridget, ably led by Annet, for bringing us such joy. We are all looking forward to getting back to rehearsal and singing together once again!!! |
Sending out Melbourne Vibes with this collaboration with some of our friends from Melbourne Chorus. Last weekend we would have been together for a pre-contest show at Box Hill Town Hall so we did the next best thing. Singing builds life-long friendships and we can't wait to catch up in person. We also recorded 'An Irish Blessing' during this time of isolation so head over to our Youtube channel or Facebook page to view both videos. | |
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Due to the evolving COVID-19 situation we have cancelled face-to-face rehearsals for now and will re-evaluate as things change. We love singing together and will be using online resources to get our weekly dose of music and community. If you have been thinking of visiting us please get in touch with our Team Coordinator Sue (info@vocalvibes.org.au) or Director Henrietta (director@vocalvibes.org.au) so that we can keep you updated on our rehearsal schedule and connect you with some online resources to get started on your singing journey. |
Vocal Vibes were proud to appear on the bill at varied IWD events again this year. This week around a third of VV's members entertained diners at a local Lion's Club event, fundraising for www.PINCHAPOO.org.au On this occasion we were ably led by our former director and continuing member Jeanette Whitmore, while our Music Director Henrietta Farr was working out of town a few days. Meanwhile last week for IWD, another combination of members represented VV at a meeting of the Dept of Transport's Women's Network. Henrietta was especially invited to showcase her after-hours activity among other extraordinary Department women. You see ... by day, our MD Henrietta is a Geotechnical Engineer! |
Eastland provided a beautiful setting for a delightful pop up performance, when we were engaged to entertain the local community this weekend. |
Bringing JOY to the neighbourhood in this wonderland a few doors up from our Christmas party! | |
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Literally!! Bendigo Bank is supporting VV members with a fantastic contribution toward an additional set of risers so we can spread out safely in harmonious formation. Our sincere gratitude goes to this wonderful local and community-minded bank. |
Vocal Vibes were delighted to be once more invited to join Ringwood Salvation Army's Annual Concert for Cancer. We took the stage for alternating sets between performances by their wonderful Citadel Band and illustrious guest cornet soloist Matthew Stein. The audience was enthusiastic and appreciative, and our members feel privileged to contribute to this supportive & celebratory event. The beautiful closing candle lighting ceremony brings special significance to audience and performers alike. |
Our biennial weekend getaway for members took place last weekend, and we were excited to work with Master Director Vicki Dwyer as our special Coach for this winter retreat in the Dandenongs. Vicki is a respected member of the Regional Education Faculty for Sweet Adelines Australia, and a sought-after coach for choruses and quartets. Personally, Vicki received 4 gold medals singing Lead with Accolade quartet (representing Australia at International) and more recently in her current quartet Alouette, consistently places top 3 in our Region 34 Quartet competition. She is a professional singing teacher and directs Circular Keys Chorus as well as Sydney Harmony men’s chorus. In 2009 Vicki directed Circular Keys Chorus to their first international Sweet Adelines competition in Denver, and again last year they competed in the Harmony Classic category and performed a fantastic Australian themed medley for the enthusiastic international audience at St Louis USA. Of course "What happens at retreat, stays at retreat" - but hey nothing wrong with rewarding hard work with a little fun and relaxation! What better way to spend a chilly weekend away with friends, working on our craft together and preparing our competition songs for the next national convention in Hobart 2020. Not to mention a warming fireplace, all meals provided, celebrating VV's 9th birthday, and invigorating strolls among the native birds & eucalypts. |
A representative ensemble of Vocal Vibes singers again had the honour of singing for some of our newest Australian citizens at a recent Maroondah Citizenship Ceremony in Ringwood. We love adding sparkle and harmony to important events in our community. It's somehow special having a small part in such a memorable day for those choosing to become Australian.
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Each year we are extremely grateful for the talented members who take on the many important roles on various teams that keep our chorus thriving. At our recent AGM we were fortunate to have more nominees volunteer than the number of roles available! Special thanks go to all new, outgoing & continuing Management Team members.. |
We're more than a little excited to learn that Vocal Vibes' member Faye Putt has won a regional grant to attend the Sweet Adelines International Directors & Visual Leaders' seminar in Texas this August! Australian chorus choreographers were invited to apply for a single sponsorship to attend “A Brand New Song & Dance” in San Antonio TX, however based on their application content, vision and purpose, two exemplary applicants could not be separated. As a result, Faye from Vocal Vibes in Victoria, and Megan from Redland Rhapsody Chorus in Qld, were announced joint winners of the 2019 Region 34 Education Grant. A report of their insights will be published in the following Sweet Adelines Australia publication "Ozchords", and both Faye and Megan will be invited to present at the 2020 Regional Director’s School. VV members are thrilled for our talented and hard-working Choreographer Faye to enjoy this experience and return to us inspired by highly esteemed faculty sharing their passion and new ideas in visual expression and showmanship! https://sweetadelines.com/events/directorsandvisualleadersseminar2019/https://sweetadelines.com/events/directorsandvisualleadersseminar2019/ |
Vocal Vibes is the proud recipient of a very generous Community Grant from the Bendigo Bank. We have been rewarded for our efforts in bringing women of all ages together to sing in harmony. Our local Ringwood East & Heathmont Community Bank operates to support the local community with a policy to return up to 80% of profits to local community groups. Their slogan is "See the change your bank can make." We would like to thank the Bendigo Bank for being a wonderful supporter of Vocal Vibes. |
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Vocal Vibes' new Director .. our very own, very talented HENRIETTA FARR!! In a few short years Henrietta leapt from youth member to Tenor Section Leader, to Assistant Director. This year she was our nominee for Sweet Ad of the Year, and completed her DCP with the special honour of the prestigious Marian Reinsch award. Henrietta generously took on the challenging role of Caretaker Director for us in June, further demonstrating her abilities, dedication and resourcefulness. We could not have been happier when our Director Search committee fully considered & endorsed Henrietta's recent application, and her appointment was overwhelmingly ratified by members. ![]() ![]() ![]() Henrietta becomes Vocal Vibes' 3rd Director since chartering in 2010, following founding Director Lorraine Stackpoole, and recently-retired Master Director Jeanette Whitmore. CONGRATULATIONS and WELCOME Henrietta!!! ![]() ![]() ![]() x |
Wow! What fun we are having sharing our hobby with others. We kicked off week one of our 'Learn to Sing A Cappella' workshops with an amazing 33 women joining us on the risers. There were smiles all round as we harmonized for the first time together. The sound was awesome! Week two bought even more adventure as we sang through the song we learnt last week with confidence and began the new song... 'Fields of Gold'. Hat's off to Henrietta (Director extraordinaire) and the Music Team for assisting us with our learning of all four parts to the half way point. We can't wait for next week. Bring it on! ![]() SPECIAL NOTE: Registration for this workshop is now closed. If you missed this singing adventure and wish to see what we do... Come and visit us on one of our regular rehearsal nights any time after September the 3rd. We welcome visitors all year 'round. (E: info@vocalvibes.org.au) Hope to see you one day soon! |
Learn to Sing A Cappella - 4 week workshop More details coming soon! |
To top off a wonderful convention 2018, our very own Henrietta Farr was presented the 2018 Marian Reinsch Award!! ![]() ![]() This biennial honour recognises excellence in Director Certification Program (DCP) achievement. We are all so proud of her!! Photo by Jen Squires |
Vocal Vibes Inc. gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the Maroondah Council Community Grants Funding Program, which enabled us to purchase striking new daytime performance tops for each & every member of the chorus. We look forward to showing them off, so keep an eye on this website for news of our next local performance! |
More than once at convention 2016 our members heard this and it is I suppose quite true: Vocal Vibes is a young chorus in a number of ways. In addition to having a sizable contingent of younger-than-average members, in Wollongong our six-year-old chorus competed for only the third time. It was also our first competition under Jeanette Whitmore, whose superb skills and experience preparing and delivering at competition helped us put out a stronger and more skilled performance than ever before. Vocal Vibes is also young because our membership also includes a number of women who are ‘young’ in barbershop: whose journey in the art form is just beginning. We took to convention 8 first timers, meaning that nearly 10% of all first timers at convention belonged to Vocal Vibes. One of these was even at her first ever sing-out ever! Each Vocal Vibes member receives a butterfly pin after her first sing-out, but the butterfly our Akke earned at Wollongong was extra significant and very well deserved. Wollongong was of course a huge experience for every first-timer and they were made to feel very special by both Vocal Vibes and the conference organisers. As well as competing as a chorus, Vocal Vibes was represented in three quartets: Momentum, Platinum and Cha-Ching!, each of whom did us proud. The remaining chorus members watched with a thrill as each foursome took to the stage for the terrifying feat that is Quartet Contest, and the chorus gave its vocal support from the audience. We were so proud of them and they felt the love flow to the very distant stage. When chorus competition day dawned we had the unenviable task of waiting until late afternoon to perform, but much hotel room singing and an inexplicably long and eerily quiet bus ride later, we were suddenly on stage. A heart-rending interpretation of If I Loved You and a sassy, fun Jazz Me Blues later and it was all over. But then it wasn’t: we were thrilled to be selected as one of 2 choruses to participate in the master class with judges Sharon Babb and Dale Syverson. On stage for the second time in 24 hours we nailed our ballad and had fun with our uptune all over again. The two judges’ wealth of experience and knowledge gave us lots of things to add to our toolbox as we continue to grow and develop in barbershop, and as a chorus. Our fine showing at convention in 2016 was the result of an enormous amount of work by our Director, Section leaders, Music and Management teams, Choreographer and Costumer and their dedicated teams, Convention Liaison, our weekly extra practice group organiser, as well as each individual chorus member and the family and friends that help make it all possible. Vocal Vibes says a huge THANK YOU to them all! Anna D. Bass - Vocal Vibes |
Vocal Vibes is very excited to announce the appointment of Jeanette Whitmore as our new director.
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Vocal Vibes Chorus had a fabulous time up in Sydney competing in the annual Sweet Adelines competition. It was the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Sweet Adelines in Australia and 37 of the almost 50 members of Vocal Vibes Chorus sang and danced up a storm in the competition this year. We scored an amazing 517 points which placed us 10th out of 23 competing choruses from all around Australia. This is very impressive as Vocal Vibes is only 5 years old. Kerry Haddow says, "We are so excited to have done so well this year. All our ladies are very talented and really love singing together. Vocal Vibes have a great future ahead of them. I'm quite addicted to barbershop singing especially with all of these lovely ladies." |