In the beginning...

Southern Sounds Chorus has been singing since 1991. They first formed as "The Mornington Bay Chorus", under musical director, Lauris Clota. They were based and rehearsed in Mornington, Victoria.

In 1996, there was a change of name to reflect a wider geographical membership and audience, to "Southern Sounds Chorus" and a new director, Marian Reinsch. Marian took the chorus to national competitions in Adelaide and Perth. The chorus was based in Frankston and sang to audiences across the Mornington Peninsula and the southern suburbs.

Lorraine Stackpoole took over the directing reins in 2001, taking the chorus to competitions in Wollongong, Adelaide and Brisbane. Still based in Frankston, the Chorus attracted members from as far away as Mentone, Narre Warren and Red Hill, as well as more local areas of Mt. Eliza, Mornington and Frankston.

In October 2007, Southern Sounds gained a new director, Catherine Bechaz. Still based in Frankston for rehearsals, the chorus has continued its busy performing schedule. Some recent venues to enjoy the chorus' singing have included Chelsea Downunder Flower Show, Chelsea, St. Patrick's Tennis Club, Mentone and Cruden Farm, Langwarrin.

Sweet Adelines International

Our parent organization is Sweet Adelines International.

The organization aims to further the art of barbershop through education and training. Each year our region, Southern Cross, region 34, organizes a convention and workshops (for singers and directors) to encourage our members in the artform.

In Australia more than 1000 women sing in 28 Sweet Adelines choruses around the country

There are over 30,000 members in Sweet Adelines worldwide. Attending convention is a mind boggling experience for the first timer. It is hard to believe all those enthusiastic singers are out there. Some of the music produced is absolutely sublime.

This is a promotional video (from the US)

And another one (also from the US) promoting the Young Women in Harmony program