- National Competition - Harmony Goldrush 2015 Convention – Melbourne 16-20 Sep 2015
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Date Posted: Sun, 20 Sep 2015
Finally it arrived, the week they had been preparing for. Competition day dawned bright, cool and crisp. They were ready. At the now traditional, pre-competition breakfast, the members were joined by family and loved ones to support them on this big day.
With a dazzling performance, which appeared to have the judges mesmerised, they delivered their best performance ever.
Then the announcements for the winners started and with much breath-holding and quiet anticipation, they were finally confirmed as the winners! – What a fantastic achievement after only 3½ years as a chorus.
In the words of Director, Andrew Howson: "Very humbled to be able to say Sound Connection is the 2015 BHA Chorus Champions. We are honoured to join those choruses who have inspired us on our journey. We hope to be the best ambassadors we can be for BHA."
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- Life is a Cabaret - Annual show Sat 5 Sep 2015
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Date Posted: Sun, 6 Sep 2015
This cabaret style show featured the striking a cappella harmonies of sister chorus Vocalescence and Sound Connection, along with quartets and mixed a cappella groups. Held at the Helensvale Cultural Centre, the matinee show was well attended where the audience enjoyed Devonshire teas while watching the show. The evening performance was a sell out and patrons enjoyed their own snacks or the cheese platters provided from the canteen.
- Annual Retreat - Lake Perseverance 14 Aug- 16 Aug 2015
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Date Posted: Fri, 14 Aug 2015
To consolidate all they had been practising during the year in preparation for the national competition in September, the chorus and family members converged on Lake Perseverance Outdoor Education centre. An inspirational weekend with lots of singing, fun, laughter and tears. Not to mention one of the coldest August nights of the year – with -3 degrees being recorded in nearby Toowoomba. ...and of course working with some great coaches.
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- Weekend Coaching with Matt Gifford Sat 11 - Sun 12 Jul 2015
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Date Posted: Sat, 11 Jul 2015
A big weekend of coaching to fine tune the competition set in preparation for the national competition in September 2015. Relentless coaching form the master Matt Gifford was inspirational and exhausting for the chorus, but in the end, the weekend was a huge success.
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- Sunshine Region (Qld state) Contest Fri 12 – Sun 14 June 2015
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Date Posted: Fri, 12 Jun 2015
What an exciting weekend of singing for the chorus. The quartet competition, held in the morning was won by The Establishment. The six quartets representing Sound Connection were all placed in the top 10. The open chorus competition was won by Sound Connection with a solid score of 79.2.
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- Dress Rehearsal – Performance Sat, 6 Jun 2015
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Date Posted: Sat, 6 Jun 2015
After a full day of coaching from their good friend and coach Matt Gifford (from Musical Island Boys Quartet – the 2014 World Champions) and in preparation for the Qld region (Sunshine Region) competition, the chorus presented a dress rehearsal concert to family and friends.
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- Elements of Harmony Workshop and Concert Sun, 24 May 2015
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Date Posted: Sun, 24 May 2015
Invited to participate in this workshop and concert by good friends Voiceweavers Choir, Sound Connection presented a variety of a cappella songs and then joined in the finale to sing the theme form The Lion King in the combined choirs. The sound of almost 80 people was amazing.
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- Fast, Fun and FREE way to sing A CAPPELLA HARMONY in one night. Tue, 31 Mar 2015
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Date Posted: Tue, 31 Mar 2015
This open night event attracted several people interested in seeing what it was all about. They learned a song in just one night, and got to sing with the chorus so they could get the feel of the ringing harmonies.
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- Publicity Performance - Shopping Centres, Logan area Sat, 28 Mar 2015
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Date Posted: Sat, 28 Mar 2015
To help spread the a cappella word the chorus held a free open night at the Shailer Park SHS. To promote this event they attended several shopping centres throughout the Logan area and treated shoppers to some fine entertainment.
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- Grand Opening - Bunnings Burleigh Heads Fri, 16 Jan 2015
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Date Posted: Fri, 16 Jan 2015
To add to the grand opening festivities, Sound Connection was invited to sing at Bunnings Burleigh Heads. Always a challenge to sing a cappella on an outside stage and to compete with the noise of the generator. Despite the technical issues the audience were treated to some fantastic music.
- Bond University Carols by Candlelight for Kids Tue, 16 Dec 2014
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Date Posted: Tue, 16 Dec 2014
It was with great enthusiasm that the chorus agreed to sing for the Bond University Kids Carols by Candlelight. These kids were such a great audience and joined in the songs with the chorus. What a delight.
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- Bunnings Oxenford Christmas Carols Sat, 13 Dec 2014
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Date Posted: Sat, 13 Dec 2014
What a pleasure to sing for the patrons and shoppers at Bunnings Oxenford in the busy lead up to Christmas. Many shoppers stopped to listen and to sing along with some popular Christmas songs.
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- Christmas Carols with Vocalescence at Villa Serena Sun, 7 Dec 2014
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Date Posted: Sun, 7 Dec 2014
Joining with sister chorus Vocalescence, the boys from Sound Connection presented a sing-a-long concert to the residents of Villa Serena Aged Care. With an appreciative audience singing along to well-loved carols, the groups were pleased to be able to bring some Christmas cheer at this special time of year.
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- Bunnings Oxenford Family Night Thu, 4 Dec 2014
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Date Posted: Thu, 4 Dec 2014
The chorus was pleased to spread Christmas cheer at the Bunnings family night. Singing a variety of Christmas carols and other popular songs, they entertained the local shoppers at the Oxenford store.
- Friends in Concert - Sat, 29 Nov 2014
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Date Posted: Sat, 29 Nov 2014
An entertaining afternoon of diverse a cappella harmonies, this ‘Friends in Concert’ event was presented by Vocalescence, Sound Connection, Harmony in Paradise and Voice Weavers.
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- Fast, Fun and FREE way to sing A CAPPELLA HARMONY in one night. Tue, 28 Oct 2014
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Date Posted: Tue, 28 Oct 2014
What an exciting evening for all of the visitors who attended this event. By the end of the evening they were singing a simple a cappella song with the chorus and enjoying the harmonies of singing tags.
- Sunday Afternoon Concert Villa Serena Aged Care
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Date Posted: Mon, 22 Sep 2014
What a great pleasure to be invited back to Villa Serena Aged Care at Robina to entertain the residents, for part of their Sunday afternoon concert series.
We joined with sister chorus Vocalescence to perform two one hour concerts, and presented a variety of songs from the 1920’s through to some from more recent years.
The first concert presented in one of the well-appointed common rooms at Villa Serena, was followed by a delightful afternoon tea of home-made cakes and slices.
The second concert was performed in the high care area common room, where residents joined in with the singing and clapped along to the beat.
Ably directed by Andrew Howson both choruses were thrilled by the response from both audiences– especially during ‘What a Wonderful World’, which brought a tear or two to many.
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- Music Appreciation Concert - Ormeau Woods PAC
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Date Posted: Mon, 15 Sep 2014
What a great thrill to be invited by the Ormeau Woods State High School music faculty to perform in their Music Appreciation concert on Friday night 12th September. The concert was managed and presented by the students. So all the technical, back stage and performers were the students.
The chorus presented a 15 minute a cappella package for the audience of student's family and friends. They received solid applause for all of their numbers, especially the haunting Russian hymm Spaseniye Sodelal and the upbeat Beach Boys song, Runaround Sue.
Sound Connection would like to thank the school and the students for the use of these wonderful facilities as their rehearsal venue, and invite all male students who would like to check out what they do, to come along to a reheasal on any Tuesday night.
- Bronze medal at Pan Pacific competition in NZ
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Date Posted: Wed, 20 Aug 2014
Wellington, NZ, August 16, 2014
Local all-male cappella chorus ‘Sound Connection’ was awarded the bronze medal in the hotly contested Pan Pacific open barbershop chorus competition held last weekend in Wellington NZ.
Competing against 22 other international, local and regional choruses, including some from the Gold Coast, Redlands, Toowoomba and Brisbane, Sound Connection was proud to come away as the highest scoring Australian chorus.
With the Australian bronze medal already under their belt, Sound Connection strutted their stuff to the judges and an appreciative audience and are now well on the way to their goal of representing Australia at international competition.
Formed just over two years ago, Sound Connection is made up of members from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, with some even travelling from northern NSW to the midway rehearsal venue at the Ormeau Woods Performing Arts Complex.
Sound Connection music director Andrew Howson says: “We went in to this competition with the goal of bettering our score. We had no expectations of gaining a place. New Zealand has a fantastic barbershop a cappella community and we knew there were many really great choruses. To come away with a bronze is a huge boost for the guys.”
With the popularity of a cappella on the rise, Sound Connection is inviting all males who love to sing to visit a rehearsal to see what they do. Details are on the website soundconnection.com.au
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- New Rehearsal Venue - Kinections at Ormeau Woods
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Date Posted: Thu, 15 May 2014
Sound Connection is very much enjoying their new rehearsal venue. It is called Kinections and is the Performing Arts Complex at Ormeau Woods State School. Why not come along on a Tuesday night at 7:00pm and check them out – it’s Free…
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- Broadwater Rotary Traditional Christmas Markets - 21st December 2013
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Date Posted: Wed, 25 Dec 2013
From Sanctuary Cove to the new Broadwater Parklands where the traditional Christmas Markets were just starting. With crowds gathering to spend the evening in the parklands, the chorus wandered through the markets spreading Christmas cheer to all. It was especially rewarding to sing for the appreciative audience, particularly the children.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our friends and families…
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.jpg "Carols and kids"){kind=small}
- Sanctuary Cove Christmas Carnival - 21st December 2013
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Date Posted: Tue, 24 Dec 2013
From Oxenford to Sanctuary Cove, time for a quick iced coffee from George’s Restaurant at Sanctuary Cove before heading over to the Village Theatre to sing to the exiting audience form the magic show. What a surprise for them to come out into the bright sunshine to be greeted with ‘snowy’ Christmas songs. The chorus then took to the streets around Sanctuary Cove to sing to shoppers and restaurant goers.
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.jpg "Sanctuary Cove Dec21 2013"){kind=small}
- Christmas Singing Bunnings Oxenford - 21st December 2013
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Date Posted: Mon, 23 Dec 2013
With the car park already full at 10:30 parking was at a premium when the members arrived ready to sing for Bunnings Oxenford Christmas shoppers. Wondering though the store singing a variety of Christmas songs old and new, with shoppers tapping toes and singing along, the Christmas cheer was well and truly spread. Wishing all of Bunnings Oxenford customers and staff a Happy Holiday season. Attachment:
.jpg "Singing with Santa"){kind=small}
- Bunnings Oxenford Fundraiser Sausage Sizzle - 15th December2013
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Date Posted: Mon, 16 Dec 2013
The first Sunday of the school holidays was predicted to be hot. With more than half of the chorus volunteering to work a shift on the BBQ, it was a great success with much needed funds being raised. We would like to thank Bunnings Oxenford for the opportunity to do this fundraiser and look forward to singing for their customers next week.
- Awards and final rehearsal - 10th December 2013
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Date Posted: Fri, 13 Dec 2013
After a huge year the chorus got together at the home of Vice President Steve Johnson for a low key, informal evening of singing and presentations. Congratulations to the award winners for 2013. Looking forward to a great Holiday season and an even better 2014.
- Carols in the Woods - 6th December 2013
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Date Posted: Mon, 9 Dec 2013
Once again in support of local high School Ormeau Woods, Sound Connection chorus joined in the inaugural Christmas concert presented by students and teachers from Ormeau Woods High School.
Singing most of their Christmas repertoire along with some regular favourites the chorus did their best to keep the crowd entertained, despite the hot evening and lingering bush fire smoke.
- Black Tie and Bling Concert Series with Vocalescence - 27th November 2013
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Date Posted: Sat, 30 Nov 2013
Presented by Gold Coast favourites: Vocalescence and Sound Connection choruses, the Black Tie and Bling drew a healthy crowd for a mid-week event. With both the choruses presenting a mix of Christmas songs and regular favourites the concert was a great success.
The bubbles and supper served after the concert were appreciated by all, with many of the audience staying on to listen to impromptu quartets and tag singing. A great way to finish off the year.
- Barbershop for Blokes - 20th November 2013
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Date Posted: Sat, 23 Nov 2013
With Miner Chords Chorus and High Altitude Harmony Chorus, the blokes from Sound Connection Chorus presented an entertaining evening at the old Courthouse in Ipswich.
The event was to raise funds for much needed research for Prostate Cancer with almost $1000.00 being added to the coffers. Sound Connection was delighted to be asked to support their brother chorus at Ipswich.
The concert started with all three choruses presenting the traditional melody ‘The Old Songs’, sung by barbershop choruses around the world at the beginning of each rehearsal. Singing to a packed house Sound Connection ended the concert with their favourite song ‘the Impossible Dream’ ably directed by Drew Carolan.
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- Music in the Woods - 23rd October 2013
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Date Posted: Fri, 25 Oct 2013
Fresh back from the national competition in Perth Sound Connection were asked to contribute to local high school ‘Ormeau Woods’ with the ‘Music in the Woods’ music appreciation concert.
Along with students from the music program and the school choir, Sound Connection presented a selection of numbers from their repertoire to a very appreciative audience. The music program at the school has been assisted by various chorus members during the last year and it was great to hear some of the results.
- BHA 12th National Convention - 10-12th October 2013
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Date Posted: Sat, 19 Oct 2013
With a successful farewell concert under their belts the chorus converged on Perth full of anticipation. This was to be their first national competition and all hoped they had done enough. They were hoping for a great score – and a medal would just top it off.
After the results of the youth chorus competition, (on the Thursday) speculation was running high as to the final results for the national chorus competition coming up on the Saturday. The quartet competition was on the Friday with Sound Connection being represented by three quartets, Adrenaline, Connect 4 and Front Page news – as well as two members of Benchmark.
With Adrenaline being in the finals it was going to be a late night, as the chorus rehearsal was scheduled for 11:00pm (after the Quartet finals). Adrenaline was placed a very close fourth and pleased with their performance. The final chorus rehearsal was short and sweet – to allow everyone to have a good night’s sleep.
The pre-convention breakfast was at 7:30am and all assembled ready to catch the chartered bus. The atmosphere was one of excitement and nervous tension; for some this was their first national completion, and for others this was their most important competition.
After the formalities of the breakfast, they were presented with a memento – a gold and diamante star - their unreachable star. This looked perfect on their new black suits and aqua ties and pocket hankies.
Now it was into the loop and then on to the stage for eight minutes of beautiful singing; had they done enough? The results clearly said ‘yes’ as they were placed a creditable third behind Vocal Evolution Chorus from Perth and Festival Statesmen Chorus from Adelaide.
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- Family and Friends Concert
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Date Posted: Sun, 22 Sep 2013
After spending the morning finessing the competition and show sets in readiness for the BHA national competition in Perth in October, Sound Connection presented a polished and entertaining show to family and friends.
Wearing their new performance uniforms for the first time the boys looked very polished and sounded great.
Backed by the chorus, MD Andrew Howson entertained the audience with a solo feature ‘Brown Eyed Girl’. This was no mean feat as this was his first public appearance after losing his left index finger in a work accident.
It is always a pleasure to entertain for family and friends who give so much in supporting this wonderful hobby… Perth – here we come!!!Attachment:
- Community Choirs Concert at Cleveland
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Date Posted: Sun, 15 Sep 2013
The Australian National Choral Association (ANCA) hosted a community choir’s concert in Cleveland on September 14th 2013. Sound Connection was very pleased to be invited to participate in this event, giving them the opportunity to present their competition and concert sets to an appreciative audience of locals and other choirs.
Sound Connection, along with local chorus Bayside Harmony, as well as Brisbane City Sounds, Chordiality, Tamborine Voice and Voice Weavers then joined together at the end of the concert to learn a combined choirs song and presented this to the audience.
All agreed that it was a very beneficial and pleasant afternoon.
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- 3rd Place at Gold Coast Eisteddfod
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Date Posted: Wed, 14 Aug 2013
Sound Connection took to the stage at the prestigious Gold Coast Eisteddfod on August 13 2013 as part of their lead up to national competition. They entered into the Open Age Vocal Ensemble section and were the 'most senior' compeitiors against 10 other groups from well known Gold Coast schools. The only competitors to present a barbershop set, the chorus impressed the adjudicator with their "clean and well-tuned sound", being awarded a creditible third place. The performers congratulate all of the competitors in their section and look forward to seeing them next year. Attachment:
- Winter Retreat has Warm Result
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Date Posted: Wed, 7 Aug 2013
The chorus held their winter retreat at Lake Perseverance near Crows Nest (Qld). The first weekend in August started off chilly, but by the end of the weekend everyone was warm and enthusiastic about the hints and skills passed on by master coach Darrin Drown. Attachment:
- Great result in Sunshine Region Competition
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Date Posted: Wed, 1 May 2013
After many weeks of focused singing and choreography practise, the Sound Connection chorus were absolutely delighted with their first place result at the Barbershop Harmony Australia (BHA) Sunshine Region competition at Toowoomba on the weekend of 27th and 28th April 2013.
After braving the one hour plus delays on the Toowoomba range on the Friday night the chorus joined with other BHA choruses from the region early on Saturday morning, in a massed sing at Alford Place in the city centre. (site of the 2011 flash flooding through the centre of Toowoomba).
The delegates then gathered at Downlands College to compete in the annual Sunshine Region(Qld) BHA competition. They were hoping to make it two in a row after winning in 2012 after just three months of singing together as a chorus.
The chorus would like to congratulate all of the competitors and thank the organisers for such a successful weekend of singing, friendship and camaraderie.Attachment:
- 'Go for the Gold' Afternoon Soiree
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Date Posted: Thu, 28 Mar 2013You are invited to attend an afternoon of harmony and elegance...
‘Go for the Gold’ Afternoon Soirée
Please come along and support Sound Connection chorus along with our sister chorus Vocalescence,
as we prepare for competition.
This is your chance to relax and enjoy a delightful afternoon of live a cappella, and finish it off with free bubbles and finger food after the show.
Presented by Sound Connection men’s chorus, Barbershop Harmony Australia, 2012 Sunshine Region Champions and their chapter quartets,
along with Vocalescence ladies chorus - Sweet Adelines International National Small Chorus Champions,
and their chapter quartets.
Free bubbles and finger food after the show...
Date: Sunday 14th April 2013
Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Place: Gold Coast Youth Orchestra Hall, Community Drive, Ashmore
Cost: $10.00 at the door or call Jen 0421 706 828
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- Trivia Night FUN-draiser... lots of FUN
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Date Posted: Fri, 15 Mar 2013
Sound Connection joined our sister chorus Vocalescence, for a night of fun and trivia on Saturday 9th March 2013 at the Nerang Bicentennial Community Centre. With the rivalry running high between the choruses it was a tightly fought competition between the 'Barbie Braniacs' and the M & M’s, with the Barbies winning out in the end.
Other teams included the B Sharps, Fast and Furious, Notable, and Pitch Pirates. Most teams got into the spirit and dressed up for the occasion with the Pitch Pirates taking the prize for best dressed.
The night was a great success with the funds raised being split between the choruses. There was some impromptu chorus singing and tags which added to the fun and entertainment.
This is set to become an annual event so if you didn't make it this year - keep a look out on the calendar of events for next year’s competition.
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- Christmas with Bunnings
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Date Posted: Sun, 23 Dec 2012
During the 2012 festive season we were asked by Bunnings stores at Oxenford and at Southport to help bring some Christmas spirit to their busy shoppers. What a great time we had singing to this captive audience. We want to thank the management and staff of Bunnnings stores for these opportunities to present our songs and to add to the festive spirit.
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- Vocal Vibes Concert with champion quartet - Ringmasters
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Date Posted: Fri, 21 Dec 2012
What an absolute buzz to share the stage with world champions, Ringmasters Quartet from Sweden, as they presented their unique brand of dazzling a cappella harmony in the last of their three Australian appearances.
Our Chorus joined with other regional choruses The Blenders (and Youth Chorus) and High Altitude Harmony, along with Vocalescence Chorus (Sweet Adelines) and local favorites Benchmark Quartet and silver medal Australian Quartet Adrenaline to present Vocal Vibes concert.
The Swedish ‘Fab Four’ presented their unique sound of enthralling harmonies and astonishing a cappella acrobatics. Fresh from entertaining on the cruise ship ‘Celebrity Solstice’ Ringmasters is the current Barbershop Harmony Society International quartet champion. They won the Gold Medal at the 2012 Barbershop Harmony Society’s Convention held in Portland, Oregon in July.Attachment:
- Christmas Concert at Sanctuary Cove with Vocalescence Chorus
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Date Posted: Sun, 25 Nov 2012
We were ecstatic to present our first joint show with Vocalescence Chorus, held at the Village Theatre, Sanctuary Cove. Enjoyed by almost 300 audience members, the highlight was undoubtedly the opening act of Tiny Tenors singing 'Christmas is Coming' sung as a 'round'. And there were very few dry eyes after the finale of 'Let There be Peace on Earth', sung by the entire cast (along with their loved ones) as they surrounded the audience. Attachment:
- connect4 visit Miner Chords
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Date Posted: Thu, 8 Nov 2012
Sound Connection quartet, connect4, visited our friends at the Miner Chords last night in Ipswich. In a very enjoyable evening, the Miner Chords were extremely welcoming and keen to listen, share songs and (most importantly) their supper with our quartet. It was a very rewarding night for the Sound Connection team and it's something we would recommend other chorus members do from time to time.
A special mention for Ryan Reid. When our tenor, Paul Pittaway, was sidelined with work responsibilities, Ryan stepped up to the plate for his first quartet sing out. He did a great job and stamped himself as a quartet star of the future. Thankfully Paul was able to get away from work and arrived at around 9.30pm, just in time to belt out a few songs in the 'ringing room'. Sadly connect4 were not allowed to pack this room into the back of our car and take it home..Attachment:
- Bring a Friend to rehearsal
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Date Posted: Wed, 7 Nov 2012
Sound Connection was delighted to host our first ‘Bring a Friend’ evening.
We welcomed ten visitors, who joined us on the risers for vocal warm-ups and a couple of tags.
They were then treated to some earnest rehearsal of songs for our up-coming Christmas Concert. We were pleased to have such an appreciative audience whilst doing some serious work.
Our visitors then joined us again to learn another couple of tags. The evening was finished off with ‘in the round’ singing of "My Beautiful Lifelong Friends".
We look forward to welcoming them back again soon.
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- Our new website is Live!
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Date Posted: Sun, 7 Oct 2012
Sound Connection is proud to announce the launch of our new website!
Visitors to the site can find details of our upcoming and past events, how to visit our rehearsals or become a member, how to book us to perform on your show, listen to samples of our singing, read our latest news, details of key personnel of the chorus, quartets, photos, our online shop, and much more!
Members can access all learning tracks and sheet music, the full searchable member database, chorus documentation, teaching resources, Executive meeting minutes, assessment and attendance info, upcoming birthdays, and much more!
Please have a browse and let us know what you think by signing the guestbook!
