Sing, Learn, and Perform in a
Dynamic and Inclusive Community Choir for Adults
What you can expect:
-
A Diverse and Supportive Community:
Connect with fellow music lovers in a fun and inclusive environment -
Dynamic Repertoire:
Experience the richness of soul, blues, and gospel music -
Holistic Education:
Develop your vocal, musical, and performance skills with expert guidance -
Performance Opportunities:
Take the stage and share your talent at exciting events
Is this choir right for you?
- I'm aged 18 and above
- I'm passionate about singing and want to sing with others
- I can commit to weekly rehearsals in Port Melbourne on a Tuesday night but occasionally might have to miss a rehearsal
- I want to be challenged vocally and musically
- I want to sing and perform with others
- I'm interested in self-development and group learning (for example, I've taken other group or adult-learning classes)
- I've been involved in choirs or music groups in the past and really want to get back into it and get excited about music again
- I've never been in choirs before but do have a handle on the basics of singing
- When necessary, I can revise my music and lyrics at home if you give me the resources I need
- I'm interested in singing contemporary styles - Soul, Blues, Gospel, Jazz, R&B
What does it feel like to sing with MSG?
Hear first hand from the MSG members and see us in action by clicking on the video below
Why choose to sing with us?
- We provide a fun, supportive, diverse and friendly space for you to grow as a singer
- We don’t accept that “community choir” should mean low quality and cringeworthy singing
- We focus on quality music - either bespoke arrangements created for our singers or using high quality commercial arrangements
- We look for music that has an uplifing message, some sense of soul & purpose, or songs with enduring value
- We don’t just sing songs, but provide an all-round experience developing your vocal technique, learning harmonies, improving your rhythm, and providing opportunities for you to perform
- We employ music team that are industry-leading experts
- We're governed by a committee of management and members have a voice and opportunity to contribute to the direction and priorities of the choir
- There are many choirs who offer a fun sing-along experience, but MSG is a place for personal growth and lasting value. Some of our members have been with us for more than ten years!
So much fun, beautiful friendships and wonderful singing experiences!
MSG has been my musical home for the past 14 years.
It rejuvenates my soul on a weekly basis.
MSG has been my musical home for the past 14 years.
It rejuvenates my soul on a weekly basis.
I've been an enthusiastic MSG member for 7 years. I've found the community to be very supportive and warming.
The performance and exposure opportunities have been tremendous.
I continue to develop my singing skills with professional guidance.
The performance and exposure opportunities have been tremendous.
I continue to develop my singing skills with professional guidance.
I've been a passionate member of MSG for 8 years. No matter what you are going through, this choir WILL give you purpose, meaning and belonging.
It helped me through some very tough times and it’s where I learned to spread my wings. Do yourself a favour and enrich your life by joining this fabulous group of singers from all walks of life
I started in MSG as an intern and music student. Over the past 10 years, MSG has provided countless amazing experiences. They really reach great heights for a community group. It's provided me a space to grow in skills and confidence. I now work professionally, directing my own choirs, performing and have been able to step into a new role as assistant director of the Choir.
In one word.. MSG is just JOY!
MSG are such a warm and supportive community, and their level of musicianship and singing, especially for an un-auditioned community choir continues to delight and surprise me. I encourage anyone who loves vocal harmonies and wants to be challenged musically and given great opportunities to grow as a musician to sign up
How does it work?
- MSG rehearses for 4 terms a year. A term is approx 9 weeks and corresponds with the Victorian school term dates
- Rehearsals take place on Tuesday nights in Port Melbourne, commencing 7:30pm and finish 9:30pm
- Rehearsals cover some vocal techniques, music learning, movement and performance craft
- We provide you with sheet music and access to recordings to help you learn your music
- Terms have a feature event such as a concert, collaboration, recording which get you out and performing
- Terms finish with some sort of social event so you get to know the people you're singing with
What should I do if I'm interested ?
- Read about the choir on our website
- Check out some of our live performances on YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/MSGChoir
- Attend a live concert and hear the choir
- Complete an expression of interest form
- Our membership administrator will contact you to confirm your application
- If you have any questions about the application process or membership you can raise them by email
- Depending on our current numbers, we may not always be recruiting new members to all sections. However, we will keep your details on a waiting list and contact you periodically to confirm your interest
- You’re invited to attend a try out night
- We’ll meet with you to discuss how the choir works and the commitment needed
- You’ll participate in a rehearsal with the choir, have an opportunity to see the choir in action and you’re encouraged to join in and sing with us
- You’ll have an opportunity to meet some of the choir members and to raise questions about your membership
- There is no cost to attend the try out
- We don’t audition or exclude members based on their ability and experience. However, we do have a few basic requirements which we will assess during a quick (10 min) check of your voice.
- Your voice needs to be healthy and free from any vocal health problems that would preclude you from singing
- You need to be able to sing in tune and match pitch
- You need to be singing in a range that is comfortable and healthy for you
- We will assign you to a section – either Soprano, Alto, Tenor, or Bass
- You need to agree to our terms and conditions
- All singers are members of MSG’s parent association, Heaven on Earth, Inc.
- Membership fees are due quarterly at the start of each school term or half yearly
- You can drop out any time but the minimum financial commitment is one season
- We’ll supply you with some onboarding information and resources, including diary dates, contact people
- We will give you current sheet music and access to social media community
- Sheet music remains the property of the choir and must be returned if you leave
Have questions? - read our FAQ
- Membership fees are paid quarterly and are currently $175 per person
- We offer a concession rate with eligibility requirements
- There is also an annual sheet music levy of $20 paid once per year
- You can drop out any time, but the minimum financial commitment is one term fees PLUS an annual music levy.
- There are no refunds for an unused part of a season
- All sheet music and materials remain the property of MSG and must be returned if you leave.
- We expect members to attend most of the rehearsals most of the time and take attendance rolls each week.
- We understand that occasionally life gets in the way and you might have to skip.
- There are certain points in the year (for example, close to major concerts) where attendance is important. Poor attendance at these times will prevent you from performing with the choir
- We are a diverse community group that aspires to be a really good choir.
- There are no minimum requirements, but we are also not a basic level choir.
- We are also not a sing-a-long or pub choir model.
- You will have music that you need to learn and perform accurately.
- We have some members who are complete beginners and others who are experienced musicians and performers.
- You do need to be able to sing in tune and have a basic handle on your voice.
- There are vocal techniques specific to singing Black American Music (Soul, Blues, Gospel, R&B) correctly. You will be taught these as part of the regular rehearsal process
- If in doubt, you might consider working privately with a voice coach (singing teacher) who can give you individual feedback and vocal development
We provide you with multiple learning tools, including:
- written (sheet music) arrangements of the songs
- audio learning tracks
- Section leaders and skilled singers within your section who can help you learn
It is not essential to be highly skilled in reading music notation. However, it helps you learn things quickly and accurately. You should expect that over time, you will become more at home with reading sheet music.
Some of our songs have either small-group or solo parts. Soloists are selected from within the choir by audition. Any member can audition for a solo.
Would you like to sing with MSG?
If you're ready to try us out, click the button below to submit your expression of interest