Submitted by Kathleen Ware on
‘Birds do it, bees do it, even educated fleas do it …’ They all sing unaccompanied, with pure, carefree abandon. And for the last 30 years in the Hills District, that’s exactly what Circular Keys Chorus have been doing in glorious four-part harmony – ‘a cappella’ style – bringing joy to audiences wherever they perform.
The chorus recently celebrated at a special anniversary concert at the Cherrybrook Community and Cultural Centre. On stage were the current members of the chorus, performing for an enthusiastic audience of music lovers and former members who have shared in the chorus’s history over the years.
Circular Keys Chorus has a long, proud history, which began when a small group of like-minded women started meeting once a week in a small cottage in Epping. Doris Ward was the musical director at the time, and she quickly realised that the group’s abilities extended far beyond the boundaries of their local supporters.
In 1996 the chorus registered as a member of Sweet Adelines International, a global non-profit singing organisations for women, and they competed at a national event that year on the Gold Coast. From there, the chorus expanded its repertoire and membership and began performing regularly throughout the Hills District and competing annually at a national level.
In 2002, Doris handed the musical director’s role to Vicki Dwyer, who still leads the chorus today. Since that time, they have won first place in several national competitions and represented Australia internationally four times, most recently last year in Ohio, USA. Circular Keys is currently ranked in the top 20 women’s choruses in the world.
Like all groups that have served the needs of their community for many years, the chorus is always looking for new members who share the same passions and goals. As older members retire or become less active, new recruits help to build the group’s diversity and maintain its vibrancy for future generations. Current members come from all over Sydney and from all social demographics, including students, mothers, grandmothers, business people and retirees.
Keep an eye out here or on our social media pages for an upcoming short course. As well, women who think they might like to join are welcome to come along to a Wednesday night rehearsals at any time to see and hear for themselves what it’s like to be part of this dynamic, inclusive group.
For more information on Circular Keys Chorus, please go to:
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/circularkeys
For further enquiries, please email: [email protected].
