BANKSTOWN CITY CHOIR INC – FORMERLY BANKSTOWN TOWN HALL CHOIR
CELEBRATES 40th ANNIVERSARY – A HISTORY 1974 – 2014
Compiled by Barbara Willis from records kept by former member Mrs Joan Tingle, a foundation member of the choir.
Bankstown Town Hall Choir was founded in February 1974 under the sponsorship of Bankstown Council and the Mayor at that time Ald. Ron Lockwood.Following an announcement in the local newspapers a community choir was to be formed , with Betty Fitzgerald as Musical Director. A group of approximately 20 would be choir members duly presented themselves for audition at the Bankstown Town Hall on Monday evening.
This proved to be a harrowing experience for many taken from all age groups, the majority of whom normally sang in the privacy of their own bathrooms. However, the adjudicators, at the time unknown by name, but now identifiable as Betty Fitzgerald, Charles Wolf, Robert Peat and John Eyles, must have detected the nucleus of a possible choir among our ranks for we were requested to attend on the following Monday to commence rehearsals.
A Choir is born!
Betty Fitzgerald – Music Director,
Charles Wolf – Piano Accompanist
Robert Peat
John Eyles
Members were:
Margaret Bailey, Maria Boghat, Lydia Bureton, Clem Champan, Sylvia Caggiani, Linda Cochrane, Ann D’Arcy, Julie Fletcher, Jan Gerrard, Michelle Gerrard, Naraelle Holloway, Sheila Kelly, Agnes McPherson, Joan Milligan, Janine Newell, Beryl Payne, Leone Plumb, Judith Sperling, Joan Tingle, Helen Watts, Jenny Watts and Penny Williams. Len Fitzgerald, Bruno Gzachur, Harry Powell, Eric Smith and Ken Tingle.
The choir would be known as the Bankstown Town Hall Choir.
1974 – The first official performance was in the Bankstown Town Hall Auditorium on Wednesday 10th April, 1974 along with the Bankstown Youth and Concert Orchestra.
“Tonight will mark the first public appearance of the newly formed Town Hall Choir. This group commenced regular meeting only six weeks ago, under the leadership of Betty Fitzgerald, who has wide experience in choral and solo work. A warm welcome is extended to any person interested in joining the orchestras or choir, which meet Monday evenings 7.30 pm.”
Searching through documents kept by Joan Tingle from its beginning in 1974 to 1979 I could see that the Choir went from strength to strength. Very successful competition results at a number of Eisteddfods and as participants in the Sun Aria competitions. The Choir performed with a number of well known celebrity artists over the years.
1975 – A Major concert in conjunction with the Bankstown Concert Orchestra with guest soloist Roslyn Dunbar,. Roslyn Dunbar an accomplished artist who performed with the Sadler Wells Opera in London.
1976 – The major concert in June featured guest artist Barry Strong.
1977 – Christmas Concert. Narrator, John Meillon Actor of the Year
1978 – A highlight for this year would have been The Concert held in the Theatre of the Bankstown Town Hall “From Brahms to Broadway” with guest artist David C Gray
1979 – The Festival of Carols Committee in association with the Nepean District Club presented “The Crucifixion” at Warragamba Dam. The Bankstown Town Hall Choir and Youth Orchestra presented “A Family Christmas Concert” , featuring noted singer Gordon Boyd.
1980 – Bankstown Town Hall Choir conducts a Choir Festival and Workshop sponsored by the Australian Council of Music Board and Bankstown Municipal Council. Participating choirs were Dubbo City Choir, Goulburn City Choir, Illawarra, Fairfield, Bowral and a German Tavern Choir and representatives from Strathfield Choral Society, Wollundilly, Singers of Wagga Wagga, and Sydney Male Voice Choir. 160 Choristers in total.
Membership in 1980
Sheila Ashurst, Margaret Bailey, Yvie Byatt, Yvonne Byatt, Enid Carter, Clem Chapman, Val Close, Ann D’Arcy, Nita Evans, Irene Firman, Dulcie Griffiths, Judy Learmonth, Joan Luxford, Merle Milne, Irene Morgan, Noelene Mursell, Janine Newell, Merle Peters, Joan Prentice, Frances Robertson, Doris Smith, Nancy Stewart, Jan Stoker, Joan Tingle, Brenda Woodley
Gordon Ashurst, Walter Carter, Ray Croot, Peter Dockerill, Ron Hughes, Gordon Learmonth, Stan Lukehurst, Alex Milne, Bruce Morgan, Harry Powell, Geoff Turner.
1981 – The Frank Pooler Choir from California State University visited Bankstown and BTH Choir were glad to take advantage of this worthwhile and rare opportunity for an international exchange of views on choral presentation.
1982 – Was an interesting year for the choir but regrettably if should be recorded that the choir took no part in Bankstown Civic functions and performed only once in the Bankstown Town Hall.
1983 – 28th May A selection of folk songs after the official opening of the Bankstown Central Library
26th June The Choir celebrated with an Olde Time Dance held in the Town Hall Auditorium with a selection of the Olde Time Music Hall songs which were received by a capacity audience.
November – Major Concert “Minstrel Magic” Guest artist Bill Newman was the compare.
1984 – February 18th 10th Anniversary Dinner held in the Acacia Room at Bankstown Town Hall. Ald Ron Lockwood confirmed as Patron of the choir. The event was attended by three of the choirs founding members who still enjoy current membership. Namely Joan Milligan, Janine Newell, and Joan Tingle. Clem Chapman also a remaining founding member sent his apologies.
1985 – Another enjoyable year in the Choir’s history and the announcement of the intended tour and competition in Wales.
1986 – Among the numerous engagements for the year a very unusual experience came the choir’s way in September when they were requested to sing during intervals between trotting races at the Bankstown Trotting Club.
Fund raising for the up- coming tour to Wales took a substantial part in Choir activities. Numbers of choir members increased steadily, varying from 64 to 45.
A change of name. Following a vote by members on June 3rd and with Bankstown Council approval the choir would now be known as the Bankstown City Choir which was more representative of the choir’s status when travelling overseas.
By this time Bankstown City Choir had become known as one of the most active choirs in NSW.
1987 – In the beginning Betty had a dream. A dream to take a Choir to the International Eisteddfods in Llangollen, Wales in July. This excursion would include a Concert Tour of the United Kingdom.
Everyone realised that Choir commitment would be paramount if members were to be prepared.
A new uniform was selected. Aqua dresses in classic style for ladies, plus a travelling uniform of green jacket and grey pleated skirt with a white blouse. The men green blazers and grey slacks with aqua shirt for stage wear and white shirt for travel. Cedar Clothing at Padstow were commissioned to produce the tailored wear. The overall cost to members was approximately $200 but these uniforms would continue to be worn until 1999.
The Choir was not successful in obtaining a place in any of the categories entered but the overall experience would see the members talk about this tour for many years to come.
CHOIR MEMBERS 1987
Sheila Ashurst, Carmel Bateman, Anthony Barsoum, Les Blackstone, Joan Buckley, Yvonne Byatt, Barbara Campbell, Enid Carter, Walter Carter, Augusta Cosetto, Bernard Croke, Patricia Edwards, Margaret Fisher, Leonard Fitzgerald, Helen Gordon, Dulcie Griffiths, Joseph Lambert, Judy Learmonth, Gordon Learmonth, Joan Luxford, Joan McSweeney, William Maxwell, Margaret Millar, Joan Milligan, Alexander Milne, Myrle Milne, Elsie Moran, Noeline Mursell, lOrne Myatt, John Myatt, Verna O’Hihir, Lillian Otrtley, Ann Pannaye, Joan Prentice, Brian Sharpe, Mena Sharpe, Edith Sherry, Doris Smith, Thelma Spiller, Joan Tingle, Kenneth Tingle, Maurice Virginie, Roxanne Walker, Gladys Wallace, Doris Ward, Brenda Woodley.
1988 – Australia’s Bicentennial Year After the tour the choir membership averaged around 35 regular attendees. April – A Choral and Orchestral Festival with Strathfield Symphony Orchestra. At Strathfield Town Hall. Participation in Eisteddfods and a number of Christmas Carol engagements. Betty Fitzgerald announced that she would take 18 months leave. However the choir would be under the leadership of Don Newton, known to some members for his helpful assistance during Betty’s overseas holiday in 1984.
1989 – May not have been the most celebrated year of the choir there were fewer appearances and no eisteddfod competitions to put on record. Membership stood at around 35. Don Newton stood down as Music Director because of ill health
1990 – Cecily Newton takes over the reigns as music director. February – Adelaide Coach Tour. A concert with Murray Park Singers. Joan Tingle wrote –
“Another year of determined effort in maintaining the unity of the choir. To say united we stand, divided we fall could well be the motto of the past two years. There have been many weeks when most of us would have found it far easier to stay at home rather than face choir practice. The highlights of the year were of course the Adelaide Tour, and the satisfaction of having learned to an acceptable standard the “Messiah” choruses.”
So it would seem after the massive excitement of the overseas tour the choir members had to come down off the high and back to the normal and Betty Fitzgerald returned.
1991 – Betty Fitzgerald takes leave of absence. Will Amer known to the choir members as the tenor soloist in the “Messiah” performances at Sutherland and Bankstown, accepted the challenge of being in charge of the baton in Betty’s absence.
1992 – After 18 years at the Bankstown Town Hall for rehearsals the choir moves to the Community Centre Birdwood Road Georges Hall on Tuesdays 7.30 to 10pm.
November 25th Handel’s Messiah with soloists Frances Chambers, Soprano, Nora Babikian, Contralto, William Amer, Tenor, William Diamond, Bass and Louise Hunter on Trumpet. With the Sutherland Shire Symphony Orchestra conducted by Cedric Ashton MBE and St Andrew’s Uniting Church Choir , Eastwood.
1993 – May proved to be the busiest month of this year with no less than three concerts. It was also in May that the choir farewelled Will Amer and welcomed Betty Fitzgerald back.Because of the imbalance of the choir, more women than men, Betty decided to trial splitting the ladies into two groups for rehearsal and they would practice separately. However this was not a successful solution.
Saturday Sing – Music workshops began and become an annual event. Regional choirs were invited to attend.
The year was capped off with an invitation for the choir to take part in a service on 21st November at the Garrison Church, Holy Trinity Church Miller’s Point, Sydney to celebrate the 160th Anniversary 50th Regts arrival in Australia 1843.
December “The Merry Sound of Christmas” with the Sutherland Shire Symphony Orchestra conducted by Cecil Ashton MBE
1994 – The usual round of community engagements with the Christmas Concert held with the support of Sutherland Shire Symphony Orchestra. A special 20th Anniversary Banquet on Sunday March 6th 1994 at Georges Hall Community Centre.
1996 – A full year with a number of commitments. The June concert entitled “A Winter Feast” was a combined effort with the University of the Third Age Choir and our guest soloist was Brisbane born baritone William Moxey.
There were also celebrations for the 10th Anniversary of the choir’s tour to Wales.
Joan Tingle resigned as Choir historian and Helen Gordon took on the responsibility.
Betty Fitzgerald stepped down as Music Director and once more hands the baton to Will Amer.
1997 – The choir continues with a number of community commitments.
1998 – August Concert “Around the World in Song”
1999 – The Choir celebrates 25 Years and combines for an afternoon concert at Bankstown Town Hall with Bankstown Historical Society which was celebrating its 40th Anniversary. “Sight and Sound” featuring an historic photographic display with a musical presentation by the choir.
May “Musical Extravaganza” held at Penrith South Public School. Funds raised donated to Cardiology Department Nepean Hospital.
Christmas Concert held at the Uniting Church Yagoona.
Helen Gordon resigns as historian for the choir and Barbara Willis accepts the position.
In April 1999 membership is critical with 28 members on the roll. The tenor and baritone sections are very light and need new voices urgently.
2000 – May – A Saturday Sing music workshop was held in an auditorium at University of Western Sydney, Milperra Campus. This event was hosted by the choir and they were joined by a number of other choirs for this interesting experience
July – “Music through the Ages” featuring Strings Attached and The Acacia Singers.
By the November Concert the choir uniform had had a transformation. The uniform that went to Wales was no longer available and it was felt a new one that was more easily obtained be adopted. At the suggestion of Barbara Willis who produced a model, it was decided that the uniform would now be:-
Women – Black long skirt or black slacks on less formal occasions, white shirtmaker blouse, and a vest made from material which features music notes and black court shoes.
Men – White long sleeve shirt, black bow tie, black trousers and black shoes with the Music vest.
2001 Ron Lockwood Patron
April – Heritage Week and the choir was invited by the BCC Heritage Committee to sing at an open house at “The Homestead” at Georges Hall. Two brackets which included a number of Australian songs. 300 visitors went through the house.
June – Indo-Chinese Seniors, at the Multicultural Centre. Language can be a problem but music says it all.
Performances at Chullora and Bankstown shopping centres always a test for the performers but you can’t go wrong with Christmas Carols.
Will Amer resigns as Music Director
2002 – Clr Richard McLaughlin accepts the choir’s invitation to become the Patron
Brenda Blake commences as Music Director
April – an Autumn Concert and appearance at Yagoona Fair and the ANZAC Day Service held at the Greyhound Club.
November “Showtime” Concert
2003 – April concert at Georges Hall Community Centre. “Songs of Love, Sacred and Secular”
June “Saturday Sing”
August – Celebrating Carers
2004 – Another Anniversary and a concert to celebrate 30 years. “To Broadway and Beyond” Stage 1 held in May Stage 2 held in November.
Betty Fitzgerald is invited to conduct a song and asks past members to join in.
Brenda Drake resigns as Musical Director
2005 – Alan Ho becomes Musical Director. A young man who is a perfectionist but he will whip the choir into shape. Community commitments and two major concerts.
Membership in 2005
Tony Barsoum, Olga Bell, Catherine Boyd, Yvonne Byatt, Trena Clarke, Mary Grace, Dulcina Griffiths, Rita Harys, Kayla Kettley, Judy Learmonth, Gordon Learmonth, Erin Lewington, Clothilde Marquez, Rhonda Mealey, Neville Mitchell, Irene Morgan, Doris Smith, Rosalie Stacey, Nancy Stewart, Gladys Wallace and Barbara Willis.
2006 – July “Love is in the Air Concert”. November “It’s Christmas” Concert
2007 – July – “Music to warm your Heart”. November – Merry Christmas Mozart”. The year was capped off with a BBQ at the home of Barb and Ken Willis
2008 – A Sunday afternoon concert at Chester Hill Anglican Church. This would continue to be a regular engagement for the choir. October – The first appearance at the Rookwood Cemetery Open Day singing in the open air is a challenge.
2009 – July – “Favourite Film Fantasies” what great fun. Zippity Doo Dah, and Cruella Deville to name just a few.
December – “From Vivaldi to the Vicar of Dibley”. Alan Ho plans to go overseas to advance his career and member Garry Brahe will take on the task of keeping the choir in tune and time.
2009 Christmas Concert “ From Vivaldi to the Vicar of Dibley”
Back row – Gordon Learmonth, Vic Allen, Jim Booker, Grahame Belford, Garry Brahe, Alan Ho
Centre Row – Lynette Grant, Elizabeth O’Farrell, Shirley Freestone, Carol Fitzgerald, Stella Freeman, Yvonne Byatt, Gwen Brahe and guest performers Helen and John
Front Row – Mavis Noakes, Dot Hemming at back, of Raymonde Pitchen, Jenny Van, Kath Mealing, Erin Lewington, Judy O’Farrell, Rita Harys, Barbara Willis, Judy Learmonth, Christine Wallis and Amanda Buggy.
2010 – Garry Brahe Music Director. July – “Broadway Selections”. November – “Christmas under the Southern Cross”
2011 – May – Sunday Afternoon Concert” at Chester Hill Anglican Church. October – The choir is invited to participate in the Goulburn Lilac Time Festival “A Festival of Song”. For many of the members this was the first experience of singing with another choir and everyone enjoyed it very much.
Over the years the Choir has maintained a busy and interesting program and has acquired a repertoire of music to suit all tastes, extending literally from Brahms to Broadway, from opera and oratorio to music-hall and minstrel shows, from the classics to popular ballads, from mediaeval to contemporary music,
Other performances have included Mayoral functions and, appearances for charity organizations, churches, shopping centre promotions, senior citizen’ clubs, carols by Candlelight at various open-air venues etc. In the past the Choir organised and hosted several choral festivals and workshops, bringing together choirs from all parts of NSW with the aim of promoting interest in choral music and its presentation
The Choir continues to present two major concerts each year. Other performances include Aged and Disabled Concerts at various Nursing Homes in the Bankstown District as well as “An Afternoon of Music” at St John Mark Anglican Church Proctor Parade Chester Hill.
There were 40 plus members in the early years however later membership fell to about 12. In 2014 membership is once again on the rise and at the time of writing this year membership has risen to 26, 21 women and 5 men, men always seem to be in short supply.
The Choir was pleased to be on the entertainment list for the grand opening of the Bankstown Library and Knowledge Centre on the 6th April 2014 and have booked the Bryan Brown Theatre which is located in the Town Hall section of this facility, for the 40th Anniversary Concert. The Bankstown City Choir formerly the Bankstown Town Hall Choir had come full circle.
Happy 40th Birthday Bankstown City Choir we wish you continued success.
