One of Geelong’s premier a cappella choirs won first place at a national competition in Hobart for the second year in a row.
Geelong Harmony Chorus, the Geelong region’s only barbershop ensemble, travelled to the Sweet Adelines Australia Convention in late May, taking out the Small Chorus division of the competition.
A diverse group of about 20 women, Geelong Harmony won the division in 2024, as well as the Most Improved Chorus medal.
The choir’s musical director Michelle Roy said winning first place for the second year was “really exciting”.
“When I was conducting (the ensemble) on stage everyone was smiling and the energy was fantastic,” Ms Roy said.
“It fills your heart; you’re looking at everybody, they’re looking at you, and I could just tell we were doing a really good job. I was really proud of them.”
Ms Roy praised the ensemble members’ hard work throughout the year, saying their efforts had paid off.
“We have rehearsals once a week, and we don’t just sing the whole song and that’s it,” she said.
“We look at technique, how to finish phrases, where’s the best place to breathe so we’ve got a continuous sound.
“We also have section leaders… who ran section rehearsals outside of our normal Monday rehearsals as well. So they put in lots of work.”
She said there was a real feeling of sisterhood within the group, and encouraged women of all ages to get in touch if they were interested in joining.
Email Michelle Roy at md@geelongharmony.com.au for more information on Geelong Harmony Chorus.
