Scottsdale Choir's History
Then came the opportunity to work with conductor Judith Robbers and accompanist Bob Richman.
Judith is a fine soprano and singing teacher and Bob knows every song there is to know and could create, out of nowhere, the most beautiful accompaniments.
Judith and Bob also worked with Lilydale's Valley Voices and are well-loved in the north east for their involvement in choral activities.
Judith is a fine soprano and singing teacher and Bob knows every song there is to know and could create, out of nowhere, the most beautiful accompaniments.
Judith and Bob also worked with Lilydale's Valley Voices and are well-loved in the north east for their involvement in choral activities.
Below: Vail Bennett and conductor Judith Robbers (right)
Above: Keyboard Maestro Bob Richman with Sally Le Fevre.
When Bob retired, Bridport's Margaret Viney became the choir accompanist. Margaret is also is very well known in the north east, working with Sing Australia in Bridport and the much admired Men of Dorset in Scottsdale.
Judith, Bob and Margaret developed the choir into a disciplined ensemble, known for its beautiful sound. The choir took on more adventurous songs and accepted more opportunities to perform. Judith also encouraged members to sing solos and duets, and to take on new musical challenges. It was never all work and no play. The choir instituted Fun Nights, when members performed solos, small ensembles and madcap skits and generally let their hair down. Followed by a good supper, the Fun Nights are still an important part of the choir's activities. Our Photo Gallery shows the antics from one of the Fun Nights. |
Above: accompanists Bob Richman and Margaret Viney at one of the Fun Nights.
Judith retired in 2013, and with fortune smiling on the choir, Lilydale-based Amanda Hodder took on the role of Musical Director. When Margaret Viney retired, Lilydale also provided Catherine Hamilton to take on the mantle of choir accompanist.
In 2016, Amanda left the north east to live in Hobart where she is Lecturer in Accompanying and Coordinator of the Vocal Program at the University of Tasmania’s Conservatorium of Music. She describes this as her dream job, as she loves to be around singers.
Catherine took on the dual role of conductor and accompanist after Amanda left, and to her surprise has not yet been sacked. She brings humour and a love of making music, and occasionally brings chocolates...
In 2016, Amanda left the north east to live in Hobart where she is Lecturer in Accompanying and Coordinator of the Vocal Program at the University of Tasmania’s Conservatorium of Music. She describes this as her dream job, as she loves to be around singers.
Catherine took on the dual role of conductor and accompanist after Amanda left, and to her surprise has not yet been sacked. She brings humour and a love of making music, and occasionally brings chocolates...