News
5 February 2012
Hot Ginger Chorus has started 2012 with a new musical director, Paul Coppens, who comes into barbershop harmony with a background that ranges from opera to military tattoos.
While Hot Ginger is excited by Paul’s arrival, the anticipation is tinged with sadness to be saying farewell to Carole Locke who is returning to England.
Carole has been musical director of Hot Ginger since 2006. “Carole is an extremely talented musical director and an inspirational vocal coach who’s taught us so much about singing. We’ve all had a lot of fun together over the years and it’s very sad to be saying goodbye,” said Hot Ginger Chorus Coordinator, Veronika Liljeqvist.
“But we’re also excited about the future under the direction of Paul who has that same passion for music and incredible musical talent,” said Veronika.
“We’re looking forward to an exciting year under his direction, having loads of fun and singing beautiful four-part harmony.”
Paul Coppens has an impressive resume that includes founding the Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra and directing arena productions of Aida, Proms concerts and military tattoos. He is also an accomplished composer and arranger.
5 December 2011
Do you have a passion for singing, a strong musical background and a sense of fun? These are the attributes Hot Ginger is seeking in the search for a new Musical Director.
Sadly our Musical Director Carole Locke is leaving the Sunshine Coast and we’ll miss her vocal coaching and inspired direction. That’s her in hot pink in the photo.
But Carole’s great work leaves Hot Ginger in great shape for the future and creates an opportunity for a new Musical Director to take over our enthusiastic and talented women’s barbershop chorus of 45 members who are committed to musical excellence and showmanship.
The Musical Director’s role requires someone with a sound knowledge of music and experience in both directing and vocal coaching. A knowledge of barbershop singing is desirable, but not essential.
For more information about the Musical Director’s role, contact Veronika Liljeqvist on (07) 5445 5415, 0421 854 670 or email newmd@hotgingerchorus.org.au.
29 October 2011
The talent and versatility of Hot Ginger Chorus was on display at our annual concert in October, with a musical program ranging from Mozart to Mamma Mia by Abba.
The performance lived up to the concert title – Too Hot To Handle – especially when it came to the final number, Red Hot Mama (pictured).
The concert was attended by over 350 people, a capacity audience for the Lake Kawana Community Centre.
For more photos of the concert, please visit our Facebook page.
6 September 2011
Too Hot To Handle! The Hot Ginger Chorus will be turning up the temperature at Lake Kawana Community Centre on 8 October 2011 with a sizzling concert of high-energy a cappella entertainment.
To add extra pizzazz and polish to the concert, Hot Ginger recently spent two days with American Sweet Adelines showmanship coach, Lynne Smith in an intensive workshop sponsored by Sunshine Coast Council and Arts Queensland.
Also featuring in the concert will be:
- Benchmark, one of Australia’s best male barbershop quartets who shot to fame as finalists in Australia’s Got Talent on the Seven Network earlier this year
- Popular local Irish entertainers, Shades of Green
7 August 2011
Hot Ginger chorus is looking forward to the arrival of Lynne Smith, an international showmanship coach, choreographer and educator for the past 20 years, thanks to a successful RADF grant application received from the Sunshine Coast Regional Council.
Lynne, a member of Sweet Adelines International for 35 years and a current member of the International Faculty, has choreographed winning choruses at two international competitions.
Lynn will conduct a two day workshop next month concentrating on the showmanship elements of performing singers. Fifty members of Hot Ginger chorus will attend the workshop in the lead up to their concert on October 8.
27 July 2011
How low can you go? ….. singing the lower notes that is! The bass section of Hot Ginger Chorus is seeking more women to join them who can sing the lower notes and add to that great depth of sound. Hot Ginger Chorus ran a 'come and see' session as part of our regular rehearsal night.
25 June 2011
It‘s been a busy few weeks!
Last month, members of Hot Ginger attended the Sweet Adelines Convention in Newcastle. Although not competing this year, it was in many ways, a changing experience for those who listened and watched some of the best female barbershop groups in the country. Hot Ginger members who attended the vocal production and showmanship workshops were inspired and rejuvenated by their experiences.
The Sunshine Coast Choral Festival showcases some of the Coast's best a cappella groups including Hot Ginger. Pictured are Hot Ginger members with Music Director Carole Locke entertaining the 500 strong audience, along with the ‘welcoming committee’ for the event.
Pictured at right are several members of Hot Ginger doing a mic test prior to entertaining the new Australian citizens, their families and government officials at the Sunshine Coast Citizenship Ceremony held last month.
11 May 2011
Hot Ginger chorus is looking forward to participating in the 2011 Sunshine Coast Choral Festival where choral groups gather together to perform their differing styles of music - classical, folk, a cappella, world gospel, popular, barbershop - and then combine for a grande finale! The Festival is always well supported and is an annual event that showcases the diverse talents of people living on the Coast.
19 April 2011
Hot Ginger Chorus was proud to support the Caloundra Lioness' variety concert on Sunday 10th April at the Caloundra Powerboat Club. Hot Ginger performed several songs from its repertoire, including the much loved "I Am Australian".
With fourteen new members joining since February, the Chorus is excited about its future on the Sunshine Coast.
26 February 2011
Hot Ginger members were thrilled and a little overwhelmed to welcome 39 prospective members to the recent “come and try” evening held on 2nd February.
A great number of ladies have returned and are now learning their song for audition in the next few weeks. It is exciting to have such a full sound on the risers.
The chorus is looking forward to our rehearsal on 9th March when we will be visited by a very talented member of Region 34ʼs Education Faculty. This visit will be followed by a full dayʼs workshop with another expert of the Regionʼs Education Faculty on 26th March.