FINALLY FRIDAY: Choir hits right note

LEADING 32 women to sing in harmony and dance in time is a job Geelong Harmony Chorus director Alex Morris relishes.
The 25-year-old Melbournian said directing an acapella group that has been around almost as long as him was a “pleasure”.
“They’re like my extended family,” Morris said
“They’re a really committed group – they take everything on board and they’re keen to keep doing better.”
Morris will lead the chorus in a Christmas performance at Courthouse ARTS theatre on December 16.
He promised the audience a “fun” night.
“We’ve got a bit of a Christmas story to tell through performance and some great Christmas songs but we’re also performing regular songs from our repertoire.”
Geelong’s Bay City Conchords, which Morris dubbed his choir’s “male equivalent”, and group Something Else! would also perform.
Morris said the performance would help the group “gear up” for a national Sweet Adelines International competition in May.
“Each choir from Australia who’s a part of Sweet Adelines competes, performing two songs.
“It’s essentially a big get-together of barbershop singers but we’re also hoping to win some medals,” he laughed.
Morris said the group gave “engaging performances” because its songs were performed “off by heart, not sheet music”.
Members also invested their songs with plenty of emotion and choreography to connect with their audiences.
Morris said the choir members’ ages ranged from 19 to 70-plus but all enjoyed the challenge of bringing together different voices.
“From a singing point of view, I have to deal with older voices different to younger voices but the ensembles works together so well and they know how to support one another.
“I’m so lucky my life revolves around something I love,” Morris said gleefully.
Geelong Harmony Chorus will perform 3pm December 16 at Courthouse ARTS theatre, 60 Malop St, Geelong.
Tickets will cost $20 at the door for adults or $15 for holders of concession cards.