Astra Chamber Music Society Membership 2026

To sing with the Astra Choir you need to become a Choir member. Cost is $50 (full) or $25 (Concession - Seniors, Pension & Carers Card Holders & Arts Industry Workers).

You are invited to also become a member of the Astra Chamber Music Society Inc (no extra charge), which allows you to vote at the AGM or otherwise become more involved in Astra.

You will need to accept the Choir Code of Conduct:

ASTRA CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY INC.

Astra concerts seek to extend the boundaries of conventional choral performance, often moving into areas of theatre and text as part of the concert experience. New and little-known works from all musical periods form the repertoire, frequently receiving their first Australian performances.

Astra has developed a significant profile as an innovative force in Australian music. The vision of Astra’s Musical Director is acclaimed both nationally and internationally and Astra employs some of Australia’s most highly regarded musicians and cultural workers. Commissions of new works from Australian and international composers have also played an important part in the concerts over many years.

Astra is funded by Federal, State and Local Government arts funding bodies, philanthropic trusts, and donations and is subject to fulfilling its obligations to these funding organisations/arrangements.

THE ASTRA CHOIR 

The ASTRA Choir is intrinsic to the success and aims of Astra and as such its role and commitment are respected and valued by the Astra Committee of Management and its employees.

The Choir is a flexible ensemble of around 35 singers. New prospective singers are welcome to audition at any time, with an expectation of reasonable music-reading ability and musical experience. The Choir's members include a significant proportion of trained musicians, composers and music students.

Astra presents an annual concert series which in recent years has varied from 5 to 11 concerts. Within the series, the role of the choir may vary, but will always include a number of concerts with substantial choral works.

Practical details:

• Rehearsals are every Wednesday evening from 7.30pm to 10pm between February and mid-December (or whenever the final concert concludes). Extra rehearsals can include Saturday/Sunday afternoons.

• Rehearsals are usually held at the Church of All Nations, 180 Palmerston Street, Carlton, on the corner of Drummond Street. 

• It is important that all choir members are able to commit in advance to concerts in which they will be performing

CHOIR RESPONSIBILITIES

In support of Astra’s aims and objectives (see website under Members - Astra Rules), Astra expects choir members to:

• respect and meet the musical director’s professional expectations and requirements to help him realise Astra’s creative vision

• value Astra’s aim to promote excellence and embrace the commitment to both new and old music.

• attend rehearsals and to arrive before the start time so rehearsals can start promptly at 7.30 pm

• fulfil an expectation of attendance at all rehearsals but if unable to attend a rehearsal let either the Musical Director or the choir representative on the Committee of Management know via email or text before the commencement of rehearsal

• be responsible for scores and concert dress

• return all music to the music librarians at the end of a concert

• commit to compulsory attendance at dress rehearsals before a performance (unless otherwise discussed with the Musical Director)

• silence mobile phones and other electronic devices during rehearsals

MEMBERSHIP OF ASTRA CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY Inc.

All choir members are required to pay an annual choir membership fee of $50/$25 concession to cover photocopying and other costs. Paying Choir Membership also grants you Membership of Astra Chamber Music Society Inc. - subject to Committee of Management approval. Being a member of the Society means that you have a say in the affairs and direction of the Society. If your membership is accepted by the Committee of Management, then you will be able to vote at General meetings and stand for membership of the Committee that manages the Society’s affairs.

By signing this form and stating you wish to become a member of the Society, you support the purposes of the Society, and will comply with the Rules of the Society that are attached to this email and can be found on the Society’s website. The Committee will consider your application and let you know the outcome as soon as possible.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Everyone has a right to be safe and as such Astra aims to provide a safe environment in a creative setting. There is an expectation that the Astra Choir and employees will:

• treat others with respect

• not engage in aggressive, provocative or disruptive behaviour

• not engage in bullying, harassment or discrimination

• take reasonable care for their own health and safety in the workplace and take reasonable care for the health and safety of others.

• cooperate with Astra employees about any action they need to take to comply with the OHS Act or regulations

• not intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything at the workplace such as musical equipment/ electrical instruments/leads etc.

As volunteers Astra Choir Members are provided the same protections as the organisation’s paid workers. This protection covers physical and mental health and safety in the rehearsal and concert space, so far as is reasonably practicable. Nevertheless, volunteers are not covered by workers’ compensation laws therefore Astra takes out volunteer’s insurance to adequately cover the Astra Choir and its activities when volunteering.

Should there be any accident in the workplace please contact the Manager at the Astra Office as soon as possible.