Circular Keys Chorus is directed by Master Director Vicki Dwyer. Vicki has always loved music and movement and has completed formal studies in piano, singing and dance through the Australian Music Examinations Board, Trinity College (London) and RADA . She is in demand as an energetic teacher of both piano and singing through her private studio. Vicki is a “Master Director” in Sweet Adelines International, and directs both Circular Keys Chorus and the men’s chorus, Sydney Harmony.
Vicki began her Sweet Adelines journey when she joined Circular Keys Chorus in September 1996. Within a year, she became co- Lead Section leader and part of the visual (choreography) team. In 1998 she competed in the Australian regional competition with both Circular Keys Chorus and her quartet, The Fourtunettes.
In 1999 she moved with her family to San Francisco and joined the Lead Section of the Bay Area Showcase Chorus (BASC) in SAI Region 12. She was soon promoted to Assistant Director, Lead Section Leader and a member of the BASC Music Staff. During that period, she also sang Lead with the quartet Cat's Pajamas, who competed successfully in the SAI Region 12 competition. In March 2000, BASC won first place in the Region 12 Chorus Competition, qualifying them to compete at the 2001 Sweet Adelines International Convention in Portland, Oregon, where they achieved International 5th place (still their highest achievement!).
During her time in the USA, Vicki participated in the SAI Director Certification Program and the Regional School for Directors and Assistant Directors. She was also active in teaching the barbershop craft to secondary school students in the Santa Clara Schools District and contributed to the Regional “Young Women in Harmony” program. In September 2003, Vicki was honoured to be one of only six directors from around the world to be invited to direct at the Massed Sing event in Phoenix during the Sweet Adelines International Convention.
On her return to Australia in January 2002, Vicki took up the directorship of Circular Keys and applied her energy, learning and infectious enthusiasm to the musical development of the Chorus. By 2004, Circular Keys had achieved third place in the SAI Australian regional competition in the mid-size chorus category and fourth place overall. Under Vicki’s leadership, Circular Keys successfully ran a membership growth program in 2003-2004, resulting in a 55% increase in membership, an achievement that received international recognition within Sweet Adelines International. In addition to this growth in membership numbers, 2005 saw Circular Keys placing second in the mid-size chorus category and second place overall!
Vicki has been an active member of Sweet Adelines International as a committee member of the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 Editorial Review Boards. In the Australian Region, Vicki is a music faculty member and is a sought-after coach for choruses and quartets.
Vicki also sang Lead in the national champion quartet Accolade (gold medal winners in 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2008). In their first two wins, Accolade achieved the highest quartet score attained to that date. Accolade have represented Australia three times at International Convention, in 2004 in Indianapolis, in Las Vegas in 2006 and again in 2008 in Honolulu.
