Just when you think things are settled and everything is travelling along smoothly, you get the news you weren’t expecting. It’s a reminder that the only constant is change! In July we had to say our biggest farewell to our dynamic and energetic musical director, Kirsten Bowman.

Kirsten needed to step away from the chorus as her workload and family commitments were increasing. In the interest of her health and wellbeing, she made "the hardest decision she has ever had to make" in deciding to step down as MD of Hot Ginger Chorus. Needless to say, we were shocked and saddened; however,, understanding of her decision as we want all our members to look after their health and wellbeing over everything else. We wish Kirsten well with her future endeavours.

Of course, with the stepping down of an MD comes the search for a new musical director. The management team, along with close assistance and support from our regional leadership team, especially assistance given by Bec Hewitt, started navigating our way towards finding a suitable replacement as MD. As luck would have it, we didn’t need to search too far in that we found someone in-house. We welcomed in as our new MD… drum roll please… Jane White.

Jane has been with Sweet Adelines Australia for some 13 years with both Redland Rhapsody and Hot Ginger, has held leadership roles in both choruses including being section leader for both baris and leads, has been part of the visual team, music team and was the current HG assistant MD.

Jane has taken over the role with minimal disruption. Jane works collaboratively with the music team to deliver rehearsals that keep us focussed, learning new skills and moving forward towards our goals. Jane fosters positive group dynamics and teamwork and brings a sense of enthusiasm, humour, patience and persistence. As a BRAND NEW chorus, we are looking forward to seeing Jane grow into the fantastic director we know she can be, and to see where we can go from here. It’s all very exciting!

This year we introduced the OMM (Outstanding Monthly Member) Award. This is a member-led award, which can be presented to any member of the chorus for any reason at all – to celebrate and acknowledge members who are going above and beyond in their contributions to the chorus, perhaps this person assisted another member, displayed a kindness, maybe they were observed to be working hard in their section during the month. The member who is awarded the OMM for the month, then looks out to present the award to their member of choice the following month.

It’s wonderful to see our members celebrating and showing appreciation to their peers who are contributing to our chorus culture of kindness, participation, and contribution.

We enjoyed yet another joint sing-along this year with all of the choruses from SE Queensland and Northern NSW at August A Cappella hosted by Blue Sky Harmony. This was Jane’s debut performance as our newly appointed MD. It was wonderful to connect with our singing sisters, uniting in harmony to perform one of our mass songs, Weather with You. Under the direction of Ed Sarroff and with coaching from Louise Brannon, Julie Edwards and Cathy Gordon, we produced a beautiful rendition of this iconic song. We’re already looking forward to catching up with you all next year.

We were thrilled and honoured as a chorus to sing at the wedding of one of our members in October. What a wedding and what an entrance – the bride arriving by helicopter with the theme song to "Mission Impossible"  playing over the speakers! Our bride, Robyn, is a valued part of the bass section within the chorus AND the celebrant who officiated the wedding was Carly, who is also a HG member in the bari section. Both the bride and celebrant multitasked, joining us in singing Happy Together. Such a privilege to sing for Robyn and Neil at their wedding. We wish them years of joy, love and laughter.

Christine Smith Team Coordinator