Sweet Adeline of the Year 2024
Awarded to Meryl Banister
Ever since Meryl joined our chorus, she became one of the most active members of Redland Rhapsody. She is currently the Vice President of the Board, and is about to step down as Membership Coordinator. Since taking on the role of Membership Coordinator, she has helped to create a very successful 12 Week Membership Program, which has grown the numbers of the chorus whilst creating a great program for new members. She is always coming up with new ways to make our membership drives successful, as well as helping to make our rehearsals fun with themes and dress ups.
Meryl is one of the kindest and most helpful members of the chorus. She is always at rehearsal early ready to set the room up, and is always there to help with technical issues. She has also created a great team program where every member belongs to a team which helps to keep the chorus running smoothly.
She was the creator of the GEM program which recognises members for their contributions either at chorus, or outside of chorus. She also created Foundation Day awards which recognises members for other contributions throughout the year.
Meryl has a great love of music, and loves to sing whenever she can. She helped to create two current ensembles, Glitterazzi and Red Velvet and constantly motivates others to gain confidence and improve their performance skills.
She is always keen to improve her music education and attends regional workshops whenever they are available.
Meryl is a great support to Wease in many ways, as well as to the Board and to every member of the chorus.
She is definitely a very worthy recipient of the Sweet Adeline of the Year and would is a great ambassador for our chorus.
International Women's Day Award 2024
Awarded to Meredith McNab
International Women’s’ Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Each year this day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made towards gender equality, and highlights the work that still needs to be done.The theme for 2024 is ‘Inspire Inclusion’. When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. When women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, of relevance, and empowerment. Collectively we need to forge a more inclusive world for women.
When women aren’t present, we must ask: “If not, why not?”
When women are discriminated against, we must call out poor practice.
When the treatment of women is not equitable, we must take action.
And we must do this each time, every time.
To truly include women means to openly embrace their diversity of race, age, ability, faith, body image, and how they identify. Worldwide, women must be included in all fields of endeavor.
This year’s campaign theme underscores the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality. It calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes and create environments where all women are valued and respected. Inspire Inclusion encourages everyone to recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life.
This year’s recipient of the Redland Rhapsody Chorus’s International Women’s Day award truly embraces and includes everyone she meets. She impartially mothers everyone who needs mothering, whether they know they need it or not! She respects and supports whoever is out front, no matter the reason they are out there. One person has been heard to comment that whoever is out front quickly learns that she is in their corner.
She preserves our chorus culture of inclusiveness, positivity, friendliness, supportiveness, and openness by her very nature – she is just that cheerful, happy smiling person, regardless of whatever may be going on in her private life. There is not one person whom she does not include in her ray of sunshine – doesn’t matter what colour hair, skin, what’s on your skin or even what section you’re in – if you’re here then you can be sure of her support and cheer. She shows immense patience when teaching people things, whether it be how to set up the risers, how to be a techie, how to be an endless battery changer!!,
She takes personal responsibility for the comfort and safety of people like our Ange. And on top of all this, she is human!!! She laughs, she cries, she moves and grooves, she shows us her vulnerability and humanity every day, and her voice is just divine! Her dedication to this chorus, her no nonsense ways, her solid love, kindness, and compassion to everyone here, regardless of everything, makes her the ideal recipient for this award.
Redlands Coast: Australia Day Cultural Award Nomination 2024
Awarded to Louise Brannon
2024 Redlands Coast: Australia Day Award Nomination – Cultural AwardFinalist- Louise Brannon
Achievements and Background
Please explain why your nominee should be recognised?
On behalf of Redland Rhapsody Chorus, I nominate Louise Brannon, for the Cultural Award as director of the chorus.
Louise Brannon has been a member of Redland Rhapsody Chorus (RRC) for 28 years and was instrumental in the chorus becoming a member of Sweet Adelines International, an international organisation of a cappella singers, promoting excellence in female a cappella/barbershop singing.
In 2017 Louise was elected to the position of Director of RRC, a voluntary position. She completed the Director Certification Program with Sweet Adelines International and attended numerous education sessions to improve vocal skills - both her own and those of the chorus. In 2018, at her first competition as director, Louise was presented with the "Novice Director" award and the chorus was placed seventh overall.
The role of Director is multi-faceted. Louise’s musical knowledge is unquestioned, but she is also an effective teacher and people manager. Under her guidance, chorus members have not only evolved into beautiful singers but have also formed a robust community of friendship. Louise is dedicated and well organised. Her personal, technical and time management skills are constantly developing. Weekly rehearsals are well-planned and involve music team members.
During 2021, when the Sweet Adelines Competition was cancelled, RRC sang in the men's Barbershop Harmony Society - Sunshine Region competition where Louise led them to win overall.
In 2023 Louise directed Redland Rhapsody Chorus to their best ever score at the Sweet Adelines International - Region 34 Competition, where she reached the prestigious status of Master 600 Director – a major achievement in just six years. The Chorus was placed third in Australia at this time.
Community Service and Involvement
Please outline your nominee’s community involvement and service. What roles have they undertaken that contribute to their achievements in the community, and when did they undertake this service?
Louise brought to the position of Director useful skills that she developed during her years as an adult leader in a local cadet unit (supporting her now adult sons). These skills include organisation, planning, creating, and working effectively with teams. Louise has worked most effectively with the chorus’s administrative Board to further develop and systematise the audition process for potential members and our numbers have consistently grown – even during Covid. She also meets regularly with the Music Team to plan the program of vocal skills development that allows every member to become a better singer. Under her guidance, the group has grown in every sense.
Redland Rhapsody has always been a proud and active member of the Redland’s community and often conducts sing-outs in aged and disability care facilities and in support of others - Soroptimists, Zonta, Mater Hospital Markets, Multicap. At Christmas time, in addition to paid performances at shopping centres and private Christmas celebrations, the chorus regularly spreads Christmas joy at community Christmas celebrations - Mt Cotton Carols, Wakerley Carols, Christmas by Starlight, Lighting of the Christmas Tree. While most of these do not involve the entire chorus, as Director, Louise plans and attends as many as possible.
Leadership
How has this nominee displayed strong leadership that inspires and benefits others in the community?
Since becoming Director, Louise has demonstrated superior leadership skills. Redland Rhapsody both sings and operates in harmony and Louise’s leadership style is the key.
Musical leadership involves more than waving arms and keeping time.
As musical leader, Louise has worked to ensure:
• appropriate music is chosen and purchased (including copyright)
• learning tracks are created to assist members to learn new repertoire
• weekly rehearsals are well-planned and involve music team members
• workshops and coaching sessions are organised to refine skills
• fun and laughter are a part of every rehearsal
Louise is relentless in her pursuit of excellence and supports a system allowing every member individually to experience the satisfaction of achieving and performing at a high level. Louise has upgraded the evaluation system that encourages singers to record themselves, self-evaluate and forward for evaluation by the leadership team. This allows for correction of individual issues and continually lifts the performance level of the chorus.
Louise willingly steps aside to encourage other members to step outside their comfort zone and develop their own leadership, directing and musical skills, while acting as their mentor.
During Covid, Louise initiated on-line rehearsals and innovative ways to support learning from home. Chorus still streams rehearsals for those unable to attend in person.
Community Impact
What impact has the nominee had in the community and who has benefitted from the nominee’s contribution?
Please provide examples.
Under Louise’s leadership, Redland Rhapsody Chorus has conducted a series of musical educational workshops, providing opportunities for anyone to experience the joy of singing with others. The aim has been to recruit potential members, but several women have simply enjoyed the experience (some attending several times).
Louise introduced a new membership category for long term members no longer able to commit to full participation. These “Platinum Members” are invited to all RRC events (concerts, parties and other major events). They remain an important part of the chorus community and active members of the broader community.
Apart from spreading joy through singing, RRC has also conducted in-house fund raising for specific causes important to members. This includes breast cancer, ovarian cancer, Share the Dignity, the Centre for Women and the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal. Louise adjusts the rehearsal schedule to incorporate special fund-raising suppers.
In October 2023, Louise helped organise and co-ordinate “Dazzling Harmonies”, a concert event which involved several other choruses - Hot Ginger Chorus (Buderim), Brisbane City Sounds, Blue Sky Harmony (Brisbane) and Bella A’capella (Tamborine Mountain). This event raised over $2300 which was donated to the Silk Rags Project for women living with cancer.
Personal Attributes
What personal qualities define the nominee as a role model for our community?
Louise leads by example and is both a leader and a learner.
Louise is committed to continuous learning, striving for excellence, and sharing her knowledge throughout the chorus to create a culture of aspiration, achievement and constant improvement. She is relentless in her pursuit of excellence and supports every member individually so that they can experience the satisfaction of achieving and performing at a high level. She has worked to develop the chorus musical leaders into a team with a unified purpose and plan.
Louise has committed to singing in a number of competitive quartets. Her current quartet achieved 8th position in the 2023 competition. Competing in a quartet takes dedication and commitment to the art of barbershop, as well as developing high level performance and singing skills. Louise has successfully encouraged the development of quartets and small group ensembles and has provided them performance opportunities at concerts.
Louise has also competed at international competition with other choruses. She is currently a dual member of Christchurch City Chorus (NZ), flying regularly for weekend coaching, preparing for the 2024 international competition. Her experience will be invaluable when the chorus achieves its current goal of becoming national champion and competing internationally.
Other Information and Supporting Documentation
In recognition of Louise's outstanding contributions to the cultural arts, her nomination for this prestigious award is both well-deserved and a testament to her enduring impact on the artistic community of Redlands Coast.
Laurel Santry Shining Star Award 2023
Awarded to Louise Brannon
This award was launched in August 2022. It is an annual award presented to a member who reflects the spirit that Laurel had that made her shine. It comes with a perpetual trophy to record each recipients name, and a medallion for each well deserving recipient to keep. A member is only able to receive this award once in their lifetime.
Wease was honoured with this award at our Foundation Celebrations at Tamborine Mountain on 26 August 2023
Director's Award August 2023
Awarded to Caroline Baird
This award was launched in August 2022. It is an annual award presented by our Director to a member who she considers has made a significant contribution during the past year.
Cas was honoured with this reward at our Foundation Celebrations at Tamborine Mountain on 26 August 2023.
Sweet Adeline of the Year 2023
Awarded to Meredith McNab
Meredith is a kind, friendly, caring, considerate and energetic member of our chorus. She quietly steps up and takes on many jobs that need to be done without any fuss or bother. She was voted on to our Board 12 months ago, and immediately took on the role of Secretary and has been doing a fabulous job.
Meredith is a protector of the chorus, always looking out for other members. When someone needs a hand, she’s there.
She is very reliable because when she says she is going to do something, she gets it done. She also takes initiative and helps out whenever she sees a need. In particular, she has been assisting with our technology needs, and she is a whiz when it comes to issues with our risers. If something needs fixing, Meredith is the problem solver, quietly and confidently working out how to resolve what needs to be fixed. She is an enthusiastic bass leader and is a great asset on the music team.
Her input is wise and thoughtful, always considering others as well as the reputation of our chorus. She is very supportive of our Director and follows through in respecting and supporting decisions made by both the music team and our Board. She rarely misses a rehearsal or a performance. She is a wonderful example of a true Sweet Adeliner!!!
Laurel Santry Shining Star Award 2022
Awarded to Dianne James
This award was launched in August 2022. It is an annual award presented to a member who reflects the spirit that Laurel had that made her shine. It comes with a perpetual trophy to record each recipients name, and a medallion for each well deserving recipient to keep. A member is only able to receive this award once in their lifetime.
Dianne was honoured with this reward at our Foundation Celebrations at the Maroochydore Conference Centre.
Director's Award August 2022
Awarded to Meryl Banister
This award was launched in August 2022. It is an annual award presented by our Director to a member who she considers has made a significant contribution during the past year.
Meryl was honoured with this reward at our Foundation Celebrations at the Maroochydore Conference Centre.
Joann Bevan Sweet Adeline of the Year 2022
Awarded to Glen Windle
Glen's passion for singing in the barbershop style oozes from her, starting with her bright smile.Glen has been a member for 5 years and has become an integral part of the music team as Tenor Section Leader. She represents our chorus with pride and presents to the public a high standard of performance. Glen supports our Musical Director Louise at every oopportunity and utlises her musical skills and time to assist in whatever way she can.
Glen often leads the chorus at rehearsals and events. She is a member of several teams and makes herself available to provide a hand whenever needed. She was a valued member of the team to devise and make our most recent costume. She spent much time supporting the costume team in their efforts.
Glen displays all the characteristics of a Sweet Adeline - a strong singer, resilient, active member of the chorus, respectful of our members and supports us all. She is hard working, dependable and kind, represents the values of our chorus thoroughly and deserves to be our Sweet Adeline of the Year 2022.
Joann Bevan Sweet Adeline of the Year 2021
Awarded to Laurel Santry
Laurel consistently shows up at rehearsals and was a huge support to Louise last year in the Zoom learning curve. Laurel is an important member of the Tenor section, and shares her knowledge, wisdom and time generously.
Always ready to lend a hand, Laurel is on several Chorus teams as well as holding the roles of Assistant Director and Coach Liaison As one of the founding members of the Chorus, Laurel has been a Sweet Adeline for almost 25 years, and her visual and performance skills are legendary.
Laurel is part of the Performance Extension Program and sings in 2 quartets, and is always willing to take on something new. Laurel also supports singers available for daytime gigs with weekly singing catchups.
Laurel is an amazing woman who faces adversity with strength, courage and positivity and is very deserving of recogniition as our Sweet Adeline of the Year.
Joann Bevan Sweet Adeline of the Year 2020
Awarded to Meryl Banister
In the short time that Meryl has joined us, in her own quiet and assuming way, she has become a very valued member of our chorus.Meryl took on the job of setting up the electronic equipment within a few months of joining, and she has shown great initiative in this role. In this very short time she has become the ‘go to’ gal, where leaders can ask her about stuff related to equipment and she has the answers, or meets their requests, or finds a solution. She does this with a smile and great patience. She is very reliable and very much appreciated.
Meryl shows a love for the organising and a love for singing through her passion for our chorus in attending rehearsals regularly (I can’t remember a time when she hasn’t been there to set up), taking on the job of equipment setter upperer, and now nominating and being appointed to our Board of Directors. This certainly demonstrates her keen interest in our chorus affairs.
Her passion for our organisation was also demonstrated when she supported Bella A’Cappella in one of their performing events.
Meryl approaches things in a relaxed, calm and unassuming way. I love that she is a member of our chorus… she exemplifies the best of Sweet Adelines :-)
Joann Bevan Award 2019
Awarded to Christine Flockhart
Christine supports chorus members by her constant encouragement, positive attitude and enthusiasm to all chorus activities. She is extremely easy to get along with, welcoming, inclusive and a joy to sing with. Her love for the craft is infectious.
Christine has always been an amazing support for the costume team, and also has great ideas for costumes. Every competition Christine is there to help search for fabric, cut, sew, and fit everything that is needed.
When Christine is at rehearsal or a performance she is 100% there, not distracted by other things. Even though she has many demands on her time she puts in the work required with enthusiasm.
Christine has been a chorus member for a very very long time and has hardly missed a rehearsal.Christine’s love of singing is evident in her smile, the time she invests into learning the songs, the many years she has been with RRC and the encouragement she gives to other Chorus members.Christine definitely loves to sing and her face beams so beautifully with her great smile. She is a wonderful recipient of the Joann Bevan Award.
Sweet Adeline of the Year 2019
Awarded to Laonie Stokman
As Treasurer, Laonie's communication with members is always professional as well as kind, helpful and supportive. She is consistently a positive face within the organisation whether face to face or by email. From my observation her contribution to the week to week running of the Chorus is significant outside her role as Treasurer.
When you arrive each week for practice, Laonie is the smiling face that greets you to mark your attendance and bring you up to date on anything outstanding or that you may need to follow up on. She arrives early each week to help set up for practice and at the end of the evening she stays back to help pack up the hall and return it for use by the Salvation Army the next day. In this respect she is quite meticulous with great consideration for our reputation and their requirements. For a recent off site retreat she was responsible for transporting and setting up and packing up the risers.
Her most special quality is the person she is. Laonie is a genuinely kind and caring person who operates with high moral character in all her dealings with people and in her volunteering roles with RRC.
Laonie holds the Treasurer position with the chorus, and with approximately 50 members paying for monthly fees and various events including recording multiple partial payments for competition, she does a lot of work behind the scenes for chorus. Laonie is at chorus almost every week to “man” the door, and arrives early to ensure she’s there to greet the first attendee. She often misses the first part of rehearsal because she’s still taking money, greeting late comers, or sorting out other financial things.
In addition to her treasurer role, Laonie is one of the “holders of the pitch pipe”, a crucial role each and every rehearsal and performance. She never complains.
Laonie rarely misses a rehearsal, loves to sing, and always represents the chorus in a professional manner. Her passion for chorus cannot be disputed. Just watch her whilst she sings – it shows all over her face.
Joann Bevan Award 2018
Awarded to Angela Tuffley
Angela constantly supports other chorus members through her role as webmaster, but also as Bass section leader.
Angela is always coming up with innovative ways to make learning music easier for the Basses. Her skill at utilising Excel spreadsheets for this is amazing. She also supports all the basses by encouraging and organising bass section rehearsals.
While her work may take her away for longer than expected at times, she still manages to give feedback on riser recordings, play a strong part of the music team and supports all the Bass members, especially when there are health or personal issues.
Wow, yes she does and she knows her stuff too! Great attitude always.
Sweet Adeline of the Year 2018
Awarded to Susan Evans
Susan Evans, our President of the Board of Redland Rhapsody Chorus has shown wonderful leadership. Susan has spent many, many hours behind the scenes heading the Board to rebuild our Chorus after we found a new Director to replace our retired one. The board under Susan's guidance has fully supported our new and exciting Director Louise Brannon.
Susan's attitude of support to all in the chorus, her willingness to think outside the square, find inclusive ways to solve difficult issues and effective ways of acknowledging others, exemplifies all that is good with Sweet Adelines Australia.
She is passionate about her singing and this shows with the effort she puts in to know her music and use her performance skills to sell the story of every song she sings.
Susan she manages her position of President with skill and kindness. She always knows what is the appropriate response for any situation, and instills confidence and enthusiasm in the chorus. She is very supportive of our director, and the music team, attending those meetings as well as board meetings, to ensure that communication is clear and direct between music team and board.
She has always been a mainstay of the chorus, being on the board for many years, but also working tirelessly at all levels to ensure everyone is happy, on track and organised. Her quiet and gentle manner mean she may sometimes be overlooked for accolades, but she is at the heart of Redland Rhapsody Chorus.
Susan works tirelessely in support of the chorus behind the scenes, and has the best interest of all the members at heart. Susan is always cheerful and pleasant,reliable and dependable and a pleasure to deal with, and rarely misses a rehearsal.
Joann Bevan Award 2017
Awarded to Susan Evans
Since joining the chorus 10 years ago, Susan has always shown herself to be a person who truly understands the value of being part of a group and is always very focused on meeting the needs of others, ensuring that everyone is included.
She is always kind and considerate to all chorus members and works quietly in the background without looking for recognition. As President, I find her to be an exceptional communicator, ensuring that we all know what is going on, and ensuring that we are all supported in whatever role we have.
Susan rarely misses a rehearsal or a performance, and shows lots of enthusiasm and passion for singing and performing. She involves herself with other Sweet Adelines performances as well, such as singing with the Star Chorus at competition this year.
There is no question about Susan’s love for singing, as her passion shines through at every rehearsal, and at every performance.
Sweet Adeline of the Year 2017
Awarded to Dianne James
Dianne sets a very high standard when it comes to giving back to the chorus. She willingly takes on huge tasks that would leave most of us running the other way. She has done an amazing job at regional level of standardising the standing rules for the choruses in our region. She is always proactive in helping the chorus wherever she can – and can be relied on to get a job done, and done properly.
She has a huge knowledge bank of chorus matters, having been in the organisation for a long time, having served on the board (including as President) and having been a musical leader as well. She has introduced barbershop singing to her new neighbours on Mt Tambourine, and given them performance opportunities to let them shine. Dianne is always very positive enthusiastic and helpful – a wise, sensible and understanding friend to all, and her mediating skills in tricky emotional situations are invaluable.
She has been very supportive and taken over the as Lead Section Leader beautifully. She helps and encourages everyone in a gentle fashion making learning a joy. She has stepped up to direct the chorus at a performance did an awesome job. On top of this she travels quite a distance and attends all rehearsals and meetings. She has a beautiful singing voice and she deserves to be acknowledged for all she does.
Dianne has always been a dedicated, passionate member. She is positive and works continuously and tirelessly supporting both the chorus members and the chorus itself in many ways. Dianne has been a wonderful support to all members of the chorus whether it be to assist others in her section with learning music, help support the Leadership with the direction of the chorus and the emotional support that comes with that, or with visuals and visualisation. She is a very selfless person and always ready to give to others. Apart from always being a positive and happy person, Dianne is always aware of how chorus members are faring and is the first to lend emotional support. She always attends rehearsals, coaching weekends, and singouts regularly. She recently helped the members of her Lead section by offering two extra rehearsals weekly to enable them to get through the audition process as quickly as possible.
Dianne has supported the current President with her immense knowledge and contribution to the governance, administration, technology, music and member welfare of the chorus. Dianne freely gives invaluable support with her time and expertise where it is needed.
Dianne is an extraordinary and inspirational woman who in the face of obstacles finds and focuses on the positives and conducts herself with the utmost integrity at all times. Dianne is also very humble and freely provides service wherever needed without seeking personal gain.
Joann Bevan Award 2016
Awarded to Laonie Stokman
Laonie takes part in almost everything the Chorus does, helping, organising and, most importantly doing, all with great energy. She has been treasurer since at least 2012
Being Treasurer is an onerous and meticulous job coping with membership fees, new members’ fees, events budgeting, fund raising, international fees, insurance and other regulatory records, the list goes on. Laonie is the go to person when you can’t work out which plug goes into which piece of rehearsal or computer equipment, how the chairs need to be replaced in our rehearsal hall ready for the Church.
Laonie is an enthusiastic bari, always knows her music and rarely misses a rehearsal, performance or fundraising event. Her obvious love of our a cappella music is an inspiration to everyone. She is always cheerful , friendly, welcoming and energetic.
Laonie was a recipient jointly with Laurel in 2011 but she richly deserves recognition on her own account.
Sweet Adeline of the Year 2016
Awarded to Katrina Weeks
Katrina is loved by Redland Rhapsody Chorus for her gentle nature and beautiful smile. Katrina stepped into the President's position at short notice and in her quiet and caring manner rose to the challenge and this is where her calm and measured approach to creative problem solving was noticed and very highly valued.Katrina is a valued member of the lead section and actively participants in every chorus performance and activity and can always be counted on to know her notes and words!
Joann Bevan Award 2015
Awarded to Louise Brannon
Louise has given Susan great support particularly of late when Susan really needs it and does the directing so well She has a great ear for what is happening for all parts and does it with a lovely manner. She's got a fabulous smile, boundless enthusiasm, loads of skill and willingness to take on anything that's asked of her. Her supporting role of the chorus has become bigger than ever, and she just keeps on encouraging us all to be our best. She is a great asset to the Chorus and has Sweet Adelines running in her veins!!
She has stepped up not only this year, but numerous times, to help us be the best we can, and she does it so well!. She has the interests of chorus at heart and is passionate about barbershop.
She has a very unassuming way about her. She is always concerned for others and is great fun to boot!
Louise is always ready to sing whenever there are a group of us anywhere – Always ready with her pitch pipe.
Joann Bevan Award 2014
Awarded to Rachel Poulter
Right from the very start of her time with us, Rachel has supported other members of the chorus. Joining the tenor section, she quietly and unassumingly used her musical skills to help her fellow tenor members whenever they needed assistance with reading and checking the notes. And Rachel's enthusiasm for supporting members very quickly became apparent as she helped with various jobs that needed doing at chorus - and eventually she took on the leadership of the costume team. Nothing is too much trouble for Rachel, which the leaders of the chorus will attest to when it comes to designing our costumes, and as our members would agree with, as she simply helps everyone who needs help with their costume.
Rachel is a very committed member of our chorus, supporting not just the tenors, the costume team, our chorus leaders but the make-up team and the board as well. Rachel sees jobs that need to be done that helps everyone in the chorus - and just does them without any fuss and bother. From setting up our rehearsal room, creating costumes, towing the risers, helping her own section members, putting equipment away - Rachel is there simply doing what needs to be done to support us all to achieve our goals.
Rachel very rarely misses a rehearsal or a performance. When she has had to miss rehearsals or a performance, it's generally been because of a family holiday, and she has made sure she has kept up with learning songs whilst she has been away. Rachel comes early to rehearsal, and stays late, always joins in with the physical warm ups and has a smile to offer everyone.
Her dedication to music is very apparent, as she not only sings with our chorus, but plays other musical instruments, and attends weekly singing lessons.
Her commitment and dedication to performances is also shown through her work with our costumes and her willingness to tow the risers whenever she is able.
There is certainly no doubt that Rachel loves to sing. She had been singing for many years before joining our chorus, and her commitment to singing lessons outside of chorus, and the joy that she shows when she is singing with us, is testament to her love of singing.
Joann Bevan Award 2013
Awarded to Denise Kolcze
Denise puts so much energy into finding performances for us, she is the driver behind this. She also drove our risers into the city - so brave! She is nice to everyone, and is so very welcoming when you are new in the chorus. She is always the first to volunteer her time and home to support any chorus member who wishes to participate in something extra. This is particularly evident in her section, where she offers her home for extra rehearsals for the Leads when they need to work more intensely on particular sections.
You could describe Denise as our chorus Mum. Denise is very encouraging, positive and friendly to everyone, with a genuine caring interest in the person. She has beautifully and sensitively presided over funerals and weddings for chorus members and their families in her role as Civil Celebrant.
There is no doubt that Denise loves to sing - she will sing at the drop of a hat, anywhere, anytime.
Joann Bevan Award 2012
Awarded to Susan Lansdown
Susan is the epitome of all that is good with the SAI organization. She freely gives her time, not only to Redland Rhapsody, but to other chorus’s who need coaching. She has recently given up a whole weekend, with a Friday night meeting for RRC Music team, and then to Bundaberg to coach their chorus. Due to the costs of the return flight she willingly came home on the train, so more time away from her own family. She has also spent many hours listening to our riser tapes, so that each of us can be the best that we can be, with her gentle and helpful recommendations of how we could each improve.
She does all this with a smile and a huge amount of patience with us all!
RRC would not be so well placed in competitions without Susan. She puts herself “out there”, willingly learns from our visiting coaches, plans and prepares for each of our rehearsals, but also has an overall plan of where she’d like to take us. Our concerts are testimony to her dedication and commitment to music and performance.
How Susan loves to sing! She admits that she loves to rehearse; perhaps she is hoping this work ethic will rub off on us all. She strives for excellence with her singing and encourages others to do likewise.
Joann Bevan Award 2011
Awarded to Laurel Santry, Laonie Stokman
Laurel: In her positions as assistant director, section leader and choreographer, she has a huge responsibility for teaching and organising, which she handles very professionally and in a manner that demonstrates patience, enthusiasm and skill. Although she is always busy with chores, she is never too busy to hear what someone has to say, and deals with any issues with understanding, kindness and a genuine warm smile.She does a wonderful job supporting the chorus. As the Lead Section Leader she tirelessly and patiently works with the section to help them all to improve and where needed provides extra help to the prospective members and others. It has been wonderful watching her skills grow over the last few years and she has done a great job of organising, motivating, inspiring and directing the chorus while Susan has been away.
Laurel’s dedication to the music and performance cannot be questioned. Apart from the hours of extra work she puts in to prepare for teaching the chorus (developing, evaluating and polishing choreo performances etc), she seeks out development opportunities for her own knowledge and skill base (eg making the effort and wearing the expense to The Buzz workshop) and she generously shares insights she’s learned to encourage us all to improve our skills.
She is inspiring to watch and listen to. She works hard to improve her own skills taking every opportunity learn and passes her knowledge on in a very giving and supportive way, drawing the best out of us for the best performance we can give.
Yes, of course Laurel loves to sing – that’s why she’s a Sweet Adeline! Being a Sweet Adeline gives her both reason and opportunity to sing. Watching her face when she’s singing is enough to convince me that she’s really got her heart in it.
Laurel loves to sing – with Christchurch, with RRC, with her Quartets, at family weddings and any time there is a reason to. We all love to sing with people who love to sing.
Laonie: As Treasurer, Laonie goes beyond being efficient, effective and doing things with a minimum of fuss. She’s always looking for different payment options for members, and always shows flexibility about this in trying to meet individual needs. She is amazing in the way she generously gives her physical capabilities and time when packing and putting out chairs, erecting/dismantling risers and setting up the rehearsal hall. The amount of work that Laonie does becomes really obvious when she is not at rehearsal!!!
She is always calm, logical and focussed in her support of chorus members and her input is invaluable to chorus life.
Laonie attends the majority of rehearsals, performances, extra rehearsals and workshops that are scheduled. You can always rely on Laonie. She is not just committed to music and performance excellence, but to other members of the chorus and to our chorus leaders. She’s a very capable singer and an important member of the Baritone section.
She’s always focused when she is on the risers. She always gives more than 100% in everything she does with the chorus and willing to give things a go. She’s a great sport and has a great sense of humour that she gives to everything she does with the chorus.
There is no doubt that Laonie loves to sing. Laonie has a song for every occasion and more, and you can always hear her practicing and simply singing for the joy of it no matter where she is (even in the shower!!). She even taught Director Susan a ditty one night on the way to chorus, which Susan then used in her warm ups that night. That’s our Laonie……
