Music Team

Our director, Catherine

"For me, directing is a passion. I find the close harmonies of barbershop music inspirational."

Catherine Bechaz has been a member of Sweet Adelines International since 1996 when she first joined her local chorus, Southern Sounds, where she became assistant director. In 2003 she moved to Melbourne Chorus for a greater challenge and was appointed assistant director in 2004. As assistant director with Melbourne Chorus Catherine became a National Champion Chorus Member in 2005 and subsequently competed in the International convention at Las Vegas in 2006. Catherine returned to Southern Sounds in 2005 as a dual member, and in 2007 she was appointed director of the chorus.

Catherine was on the Regional Management Team, working as the New Members Coordinator for Sweet Adelines in Australia. She has also served on the board of both Southern Sounds and Melbourne in a variety of positions.

Catherine is passionate about the art form and loves the close harmonies of barbershop music. She hopes to bring Southern Sounds Chorus to convention in 2009, attaining a C+ level- or higher. Catherine believes that each member should be responsible for working to raise their level of craft, pulling together to achieve a unit sound. Her greatest joy is watching the growth of a new member not only in their chorus life but also in their personal skills and vocal development.  The duties of a director are many, but having a strong, reliable music team is important to keep the chorus running smoothly.

Currently Catherine is working to complete the Directors Certification Program, she is taking music theory lessons and piano lessons to further her craft. She is an exceptionally busy person, also working full time as a medical practice manager.

Catherine lives with Vern on the Mornington Peninsula, they have five children between them, 6 grandchildren and a dog.

Our assistant director, Karen

"I love to sing. A good performance becomes great when the music is infused with emotion and atmosphere, transporting the audience to another place."

Our Artistic Director and Choreographer, Lorraine

"A good song can be enhanced a hundredfold by well designed movement. Emotive gestures help to keep singers in the mood of the song."

Our lead section leader, Catherine

"In barbershop harmony the lead part or melody should be the most prominent. The top layer of sponge in the harmony cake"

Catherine is helped by her co-section leaders for the Lead section- Neroli and Judy J

Our bass section leader, Christine

"The bass part anchors the chord, giving the other parts a rich, velvet tone to sing above. The bottom layer of sponge in the harmony cake"

The bass co-section leader is Robyn

Our baritone section leader, Judy S

"The baritone part weaves around the melody filling in the chord. It should always be heard, but never stick out of the sound. The icing layer between the sponge layers in the harmony cake"

Our tenor section leader, Karen

"The tenor part floats, effortlessly above the melody, completing the four part chord. The frosting on top of the harmony cake"