A local choir will soon hit a major milestone and is inviting people to come along and celebrate with them for a special anniversary performance in Tecoma.
The Sweet Sassafras Community Choir will soon celebrate its twentieth anniversary on Sunday 17 August.
After moving to Tecoma from the fog-bound Sassafras some years ago, the choir has been meeting regularly on Monday nights in school terms at Tecoma Uniting Church.
The 40-strong community choir is open to all. Unusually, almost half the voices are male, which adds a rich bass section to the repertoire.
Following strong community demand, Valerie Ashton founded the choir in 2005 and singers came from across the hills, Yarra Valley and the outer eastern suburbs to be a part of the group.
Soon requests began to come forward for performances at concerts, celebrations, music festivals and events.
Today, under the skilled direction of Susy Hull, the choir continues to flourish, sustaining a strong regular membership at rehearsals and performances.
The choir conducts regular performances at various community-based events and fundraisers such as Burrinja Sing, the Olinda Car Boot Sale, Emerald Pave Festival, the Belgrave Lantern Parade, SelbyFest, Tecoma a’cappella Festival, the Tecoma Ethical Market and others.
Over the years Sweet Sassafras has had several directors, each bringing a fresh identity to the choir.
Current director, Susy Hull is a singer, multi-instrumentalist, performer and professional music teacher.
She brings her lively arrangements to a variety of styles, anything from folk, gospel, soul, country, old time blues, to pop and jazz. The choir is always learning something new whilst most importantly having fun and making social connections.
A number of choir members are performers in their own right, some having started through their connection in Sweet Sassafras. Having confident performers and musicians brings a great energy to the group’s rehearsals and performances.
The group are especially keen to see any former members and leaders on the special day and any enquiries can be made to President Brian Crouch, at 0429 454 776.
The twentieth anniversary performance is set for 2pm Sunday 17 August at the Tecoma Uniting Church, 1566 Burwood Highway.
All are welcome, by cash donation.
