MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT

Challenges

Last year a major identified challenge was obtaining volunteers to assist with the running of our choir. I am very pleased to report that some members have risen to the occasion and together with Tim handling hall maintenance issues we now have the ladies of the Wednesday shift of the Costume Department enthusiastically tackling the huge challenge of reviewing our costume stocks. They would welcome any additional assistance that is offered. Our other hero is Julie-Ann Pashley who has taken over as hall cleaner relieving Debbie Lewis who has done a sterling job but now is unable to continue due to an injury.  Jan Mundt has volunteered to coordinate between Costumes and the Management Committee.

This year I would like to focus on some of our challenges for the future.

Ongoing challenges

Membership - particularly men.

There is significant competition in our geographical region for male choristers with two large community based choirs and the ‘new’ male choir, The Miner Chords with a membership of 20, actively seeking to expand to 50 voices.

Whilst we support all forms of choral singing this does present a challenge in drawing from the pool of available men.

We need to introduce more incentives for men to join and to move beyond ‘the gates of Ipswich’ to promote ourselves to a wider audience. This also helps recruitment for all sections of the Choir.

Costume department

We have two significant challenges:

• review our costume stock; and
• continue the Costume Department activities so that we maintain the important revenue stream from this source.

Audiences

There is little point in preparing first-class performances if we play to small audiences. We have an on-going challenge in presenting ourselves to a wider audience.

Success in this ensures:

• bigger audiences/more revenue;
• Satisfaction for choristers; and
• More recruitment opportunities.

We have shown we have a winning formula for theatre restaurants. Now we have to replicate that success for other types of performance.

On the subject of our Theatre Restaurants, whilst I will leave more detailed comment to our Musical Director, it would be remiss of me not to thank those involved this year in what could easily be regarded as our most successful theatre restaurant.

• Murray Milliken for his tireless efforts with the script and direction;
• Sandra Milliken for her usual enthusiastic involvement with the music and her ‘voice coaching’, particularly for some of our people who were being exposed to the public for the first time;
• Katrina May for her usual very professional accompaniment and support;
• Warren Parcell for his usual superb organisation of ‘front of house’ and related matters;
• Jan Mundt for costumes and publicity, sets etc.;
• Marellen Haag for media and valuable assistance, sets etc.;
• Warren Haag for lighting and sound;
• Debbie Lewis for greatly appreciated assistance with music;
• All those unnamed volunteers who we could not get by without (bar staff, kitchen hands etc.); and
• Let’s not forget the cast – what a bunch of performers!

What a team. The challenge, this year, is to at least equal the 2009 performance.

Attendance

The Choir can only put on first class performances with the support of members.

Music department

We thank very sincerely:

• Sandra Milliken – Senior Choir Conductor
• Katrina May – Senior Choir Accompanist
• Berniece Hicks – Youth Choir Conductor
• Bronwyn French – Youth and Junior Choir Accompanist
• Michelle French - Junior Choir Conductor

These important members of our Choir are the ‘glue’ that holds our musical organisation together and we can never thank them enough.

Administration

The outgoing committee were:

• Nigel Lewis – President
• David Palmisano –Vice President
• Noel Lewis – Secretary
• Warren Parcell - Treasurer
• Marellen Haag – Minutes Secretary
• Debbie Lewis – Librarian
• Jenny Mulroney – Membership Officer
• Jan Mundt – Publicity Officer
• Sue Vidler– Asst. Publicity Officer

2010 sees a change in the Office Bearers to better reflect the challenges of our administration. The position of Minutes Secretary has been absorbed into the Secretary’s role and a new position of Assistant Treasurer has been created to reflect the added workload in this area due to the increasing size of the Choir’s operations. Our accounts are now handled on a MYOB system and accordingly our financial team needs to be experienced in this type of application.

The A.G.M. gives financial and Life Members their opportunity to exercise their vote to nominate a new Management Committee.

This exercise should not be undertaken lightly as this is a successful, dynamic choir and any committee members elected need to understand the workload and dedication required to maintain this standard.

Choose your nominations carefully.

Thank you to all members for their support and we look forward to all contributing to successful overcoming of challenges that arise in the 2010 year.

SENIOR CHOIR CONDUCTOR'S REPORT

As Conductor of the Blackstone-Ipswich Cambrian Senior Choir, it is with much pleasure that I present my report to this annual general meeting.

The choral year began on January 19 with early preparation for the Easter Eisteddfod to be held on the Sunshine Coast. Our own-choice repertoire was once again new, interesting and challenging.

the annual Choral Retreat on February 7 and 8, held at Women’s College St. Lucia, attracted the attendance of a majority of choristers, enjoying workshops on warm-ups and vocal techniques, learning vocal parts for the new repertoire and of course, the social atmosphere.

Rehearsal CDs were recorded by Adam and Michelle French and we thank them greatly for their time and assistance in providing this great learning tool for choristers.

The choir was placed or mentioned in most of the Eisteddfod competition sections and I firmly believe that our choral tone and ensemble work have improved significantly. This is partly due to the development of vocal/choral technique in both the individual and the choir as a whole, and also to the increased number of members who make a year-round commitment to the choir, not just singing at the Eisteddfod.

It has also been of great benefit to me, as the conductor, to have the opportunity to hear each chorister’s singing range and vocal timbre during the preceding months. As a result of this process, I was able to move some choristers to other voice parts and to build a better blend. Thank you to those choristers who openly embraced this change for the benefit of the whole choir.   

The Cambrians@Home concerts on May 29/30 featured a South of the Border/Latin theme utilising the breadth of talent within our organisation. Katrina May was our guest artist soloist as well as being our accompanist. A dance solo by Susan Walters provided an added dimension to Katrina’s piano solos while vocal soloists Frances O’Sullivan, Nicole Hartwich, Damien Grayson and Murray Milliken were featured throughout the program.            

The full choir learnt a number of newly-purchased pieces, with an arrangement of The Impossible Dream rating most highly favourable.  It was also a great opportunity to rehearse and perform some smaller ensembles. 

Rehearsals for the Love Ya Queensland Theatre Restaurant to celebrate Q150 began on June 8. The choral, small ensemble and solo repertoire mix of folk and popular genres traced Queensland’s history to the accompaniment of a well-researched audio visual presentation.  Thank you to Murray Milliken for producing and bringing his creative vision to the stage. 

As the direction team, the support and commitment we received from choir and committee members was outstanding, which once again ensured the show’s sell-out success. We were able to purchase some new equipment for the organisation enabling us to enhance future stage performances. Thanks and congratulations must also go to both Jan Mundt and Marellen Haag and to all those who assisted in any way working behind the scenes.

The Ipswich Gala Concert in early October was hastily learnt in three rehearsals and Patrick Burns came to the podium once again to conduct the performance.

We gave a charity fund-raising performance at the Boonah Cultural Centre on November 24 providing a concert program of entertaining repertoire to a small but enthusiastic audience. We hope to build on this community audience base in the next few years.

The last performances for the year were our Cool newly purchased or arranged Christmas music so it was a great opportunity to showcase these, as well as a number of solos and the premiere of The Cambrian Divas in a special concert.

Artistically, the concert was a resounding success with many glowing reports from audience members, but disappointing in terms of audience attendance.  It was very pleasing however to have so many choir members perform right to the end of the year. Thank you for your team spirit and support!

I would like to acknowledge the valuable assistance Katrina May gives the BICC as accompanist and chorus rehearsal assistant, as well as the choristers with musical expertise who have stepped in to assist whenever required. As a choral organisation, we would not survive without a well-organised, methodical and creative librarian to deal with the thousands of pieces of music we use throughout the year. Debbie Lewis performs this task on a voluntary basis and with the experience of a professional. Her support and efficiency is highly valued by the music team.

At this time of year, it is pertinent to mention the need to attract younger members into the organisation as a whole. I would ask you once again to show your individual initiative by taking any opportunity to advertise and encourage the growth of our youth choirs to ensure the sustainability of BICC in the future. 
I would like to thank Nigel Lewis and the committee for their personal and professional support throughout the year, providing the means for my “new” music budgets and working to oversee the administrative side of this large organisation.

2010 promises to be an exciting year with new musical challenges and experiences. I look forward to working with and continuing the direction of the Blackstone-Ipswich Cambrian Choir in the next year.   

Sandra Millken
Conductor, Blackstone-Ipswich Cambrian Choir

LIBRARIAN'S REPORT

Thirty new titles were added to our Library this year, many of which we were very fortunate to acquire due Sandra’s talent for composing and arranging music.  Sadly, several more sets of original music had to be retired due to their very fragile state. These have been photocopied onto archival paper which shouldn’t suffer the same fate.

The new Xerox colour photocopier was installed at the start of the year and has been operating extremely well.  Photocopying music now takes considerably less time and we have been able to print very professional flyers and programmes for a fraction of the cost. It was also used to produce most of the decorations for the Senior Choir Theatre Restaurant. The funding for the photocopier was made available by the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.

As ninety nine per cent of our music is sourced from overseas it inevitably takes time to reach our shores. Currently we are waiting 4-6 weeks for delivery from the US and a minimum of two months from the UK. These waiting times don’t look like they will be reducing at all in the near future.  Although every effort is made to place orders in plenty of time, unfortunately we are in the hands of publishers who don’t seem to take into account that we are on the other side of the world  and the time it takes to for music to travel that far!

Taking care of our music and the library is an extremely time-consuming job and I wouldn’t be able to get through all the work without the help of members such as Jenny Mulroney who is always available to lend a hand and Matthew Potter who helps when he can. Thanks also to Melissa Milfull who has taken on the busy role of Youth Choir Librarian and is doing a wonderful job, especially of working around all my mess!

Debbie Lewis
Librarian

CAMBRIAN YOUTH CHOIR CONDUCTOR'S REPORT

A year for the Cambrian Youth Choir is always a busy and rewarding time for all choristers , music leadership and parents .. even more so in 2009 as it was our RUBY CELEBRATIONS [1969 to 2009] - 40 years since its foundation by Mrs Blodwyn Whitehead OAM. ATCL.

We started our year with the choice for our Qld.Eist. Music Theatre item being WICKED featuring the ruby red shoes. This was awarded 1st place. We also gained two 2nd’s and two 3rds. It was a time of building new friendships and enjoying our Easter weekend away together at the Sunshine Coast - always being proud to be a Cambrian.

The CYC achieved a clean sweep of all sections entered in the Ipswich Junior Eisteddfod ,as well as taking out the Adjudicator’s Choice and People’s Choice awards.

In between these Eisteddfods, the CYC sang at Colthup Home to the aged residents bringing them much joy. Also a sense of pride in being featured with our music at Bundamba Anzac Day, and often singing for the many Citizenship Ceremonies held and led by the Mayor Paul Pisasale. It was great to see a CYC mentor, Anita Dutt, organize an entry in the Relay-for-Life for both past and present CYC members, especially done to add to our Ruby Year events. The CYC also sang at the Opening Ceremony - despite the rain.

A beautiful Sunday Afternoon of music was shared in June with our Junior Cambrians – a feature of which is the songs sung together by both groups .Thanks to Michelle French in leading.

The wearing of our Ruby polo shirts designed by Jessica Buchanan [CYC mentor] was a special feature for the year. It was also great to be a part of the Ipswich Arts heritage celebrations being included in the 40th Celebrations of the Ipswich Little Theatre.

However a bigger dream came together to mark our 40th Celebrations with having both past and present members come as one voice to record the commemorative CD “RUBY SEASONS” in our Ipswich Civic Centre. This was unveiled by our Mayor Paul and Councilor Sheila Ireland at the end of November - for which we have had record sales. We thank members’ parents, Janelle Box and Paul Coward, for their amazing professional contribution and support to highlight a wonderful year. It was a thrill to put down on the CD, the specially commissioned work for the CYC, by the gifted music of the Senior Choir Conductor/Director Sandra Milliken, “Viva La Musica”.

The Anniversary was officially celebrated with a musical afternoon presentation on 13th September attended by a massive crowd in the Cambrian Centre. Special people who were integral in shaping the CYC, were presented a Ruby Red Rose and a feature song related to their contribution. These were Mrs Blodwyn Whitehead - The Founder of CYC.; Mrs Elaine Barrett …Financial Director; Mrs Sherenne Gehrke - past Accompanist ; Lisa Graham –Wilson ..Choreographer; Mrs Sandra Milliken – Composer. Special Memorabilia was  featured  and displayed for the 40th bearing our logo and Ruby Seasons. Thanks to Del Rossetto for time spent in preparing this. This was a season for much joy and emotions exhibiting the CYC passion for our music. It was a real delight to share in the Choral presentation of “THE SEASONS” Song Cycle to express the lifetime of choral music in CYC that has been presented for 40 years.

The Youth shared proudly in 2009 being part of the Christmas Street Parade held in November, then into December singing our way through the Festive Christmas Season. A main feature for the 2009 Christmas season for us, was coming together with St Pauls’ Choir [who also were celebrating a milestone of 150years]. We shared the much loved Cantata, CHRISTMAS IS LOVE, following after having enjoyed markets in the Church grounds on a rather hot late afternoon early evening.

2009 was no different to previous years. 12 performances were undertaken over the Christmas Season - our last being on Christmas Eve.
It has been a very memorable year thanks to the many people because of our support team. Special thanks to the 2009 Music leaders - Nicola Harris, Sarah Box, Nicole Pedley, Conor Ensor and Katherine Reugebrink, along with their caring parents.

It was such a support to Youth and Junior Choir, to have Melissa Milfull come on board with co-ordinating the Music Library and Newsletters and Choir information. Also, we thank Debbie Lewis for her kind support also. To our team on Costumes and uniforms, we are so grateful; and our fund raising that happens throughout year. We admire your care and interest to all Youth of the choir and its leadership.

To Mrs Bronwyn French for her music expertise, and Mrs Elaine Barrett with finance guidance, the CYC extend huge thanks for the many behind-the-scene hours you contribute. We pay tribute and thanks to our husbands John and Brian, who are always there to encourage their wife’s love of music. To Mr Nigel Lewis, the Organization Chairman, and his wife Debbie, many thanks for coming and supporting by your physical presence, all our events; and being there when necessary with a willing ear to listen. You make us feel part of the wider Cambrian Family.

As we all make resolutions within our lives for the New Year ,let’s take time to reflect on what our contribution to the CYC throughout 2010 could demand, and the ways we can build upon what the last 40years has revealed. After all, this year and the next will shape what the Choir will become in another 40years.

Berneice J. Hicks OAM. 
Music Director, Cambrian Youth Choir

JUNIOR CHOIR CONDUCTOR'S REPORT

Membership
We had 33 members who consistently attended in 2009. There have been 43 children take part in Junior Choir this year, but several of these members were transient in nature and did not stay for more than one term. Of our core group of 33, 9 members will be moving up into the Youth choir in 2010 and we are very proud to have such a large contingent moving up through the ranks! Already we have had interest from 5 new members, so hopefully we will be able to keep our numbers above 30 during 2010.

Eisteddfod
Eisteddfod Ipswich Junior Eisteddfod in May. We entered the Open Junior Choral section and was awarded second place. We also competed in the Glee section.

Performances
April 5 – BICC Showcase: The Junior members love being part of this concert where they can see what all the “big kids” and adults do when they go to choir practice. It is an excellent chance for our older members to see what they can aspire to be singing in their next few years.

April 26 – Kids Kingdom: We performed at Queen’s Park as part of the Ipswich Festival. We sang a 20 minute bracket and handed out flyers to advertise the Junior Choir.

September 18 – Ship Ahoy! This was our main concert for 2009. We sang songs of the sea, songs about pirates and other sea faring people and creatures. Krystie French compared the show and our guest artists were the Blackstone Ipswich Cambrian Men’s Chorus. Thanks to Sandra and the men for being part of our concert – the children really loved seeing the adults singing and thought both songs were hilarious! It was really great to once again involve more than one section of our choir in a concert.

December 12 – St Paul's Christmas Markets and Concert: The Juniors held their famous “Botttle Stall” at the markets again this year in conjunction with the Book Stall. It was very popular and we were all sold out within the first hour!  We performed three pieces as part of the concert that followed. It is a very different experience for the children to sing inside a large church and I know they all enjoyed it very much.

December 13 – A Christmas Eve’s Dream! This was our break up concert for 2009. We performed our Christmas repertoire, had a sing-a-long with our parents and then performed a mini-musical about children who fall asleep on Christmas Eve and have their toys come to life and sing and play with them. Very Cute! At the end of each year we present the children with a certificate of attendance (or promotion really, for our year seven students) and Mrs French’s Christmas cakes in the shape of snowmen or Christmas trees are looked forward to by all. This was a relaxed afternoon for parents to see a culmination of what their child has been working on during the year and a chance for us all to socialise a little before going on holidays.

During this year we have worked very hard with the children on making a good choral sound (excellent vowel shapes, clear diction, dynamic variation) as well as making our part singing even stronger. These are all habits we will continue to instil in our members during 2010.

I would like to thank Mrs Bronwyn French for all her hard work with and dedication to our young singers. Without her knowledge and effort our choir would not have the wonderful sound that it does today. Thank you!

Finally, I would like to encourage all BICC members to keep an eye out for potential junior choir members, particularly from within our own families who are already part of our great organisation. What better thing could there be than having our own children and grandchildren being part of our choir from young people all the way through to adulthood?

Michelle French
Conductor, Junior Cambrian Choir

COSTUME HIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT

Costumes have had a mixed year. There has been a reduction of volunteers offering to work in the shop causing the closure of Saturdays. This has put a lot more work on the Wednesday workers who have been extremely busy. There are plans to address this situation very soon and we are seeking your support for additional volunteers.

Our bulk orders to groups in Yeppoon, Beenleigh, Laidley, Rosewood, Boonah, Toowoomba, Lowood and to many local high schools and groups for their annual musicals has continued with Nola returning on occasions to attend to these.

Last year we discussed the struggle due to lack of space so Pam Browne, Rose Broadfoot and Brenda Daye looked at the range of clothing that has accumulated over the years and started to review their worth. There appeared to be many items that had passed there time and so a cull and re organize started late in the year.

Storage boxes have been purchased to relieve the racks of bulk items that are only hired out occasionally. There is some maintenance that needs to be done urgently and it would be appreciated if some parents from the Youth and Junior choirs would come in to assist as their choir uses some of the costumes for productions.

The computerised invoicing system has been put on hold until the reshuffle is completed and labeling of costumes has been done.

There is a very hard working core group of workers every week and a number of volunteers who put a lot of time into hiring/ receiving and maintaining the collection and we acknowledge their support and the financial contribution this makes towards the choir.

Jan Mundt
Costume Liaison