About

Current Choir Leader, Susy Hull, joined us in 2022. Susy is a Jazz singer and a multi-instrumentalist with an amazing musical experience, knowledge and background. Her energy and joyful disposition is catching!

Carols on the Mountain – Ferny Creek Reserve – December 15, 2007 – Bronwyn Robinson Director

13th May, 2013 – Jess Nabb Director (front row, red scarf)

Selby Fest, 2023 – Susy Hull, Director (front centre)

Our History

The story so far…
Following strong community demand, Valerie Ashton founded the choir on 21 February 2005, under the auspices of the Dandenong Ranges Music Council.

In 2007 the choir became an incorporated organisation – the Sweet Sassafras Open Community Choir Inc. (Registration umber A0049774L).
The Choir quickly became artistically and financially sustainable under the initial direction of Celeste Cleason. Singers came from across the hills, Yarra Valley and the outer eastern suburbs. Soon requests began to come forward for performances at concerts, celebrations, music festivals and events.

Today, under the skilled direction of Susy Hull, the choir continues to flourish, sustaining a strong regular membership at rehearsals and performances.

Choir purpose
1. To bring communities together to sing for pleasure, wellbeing and friendship, in an inclusive and encouraging setting.
2. To create an opportunity for personal skill development and individual achievement through singing performance.

Milestones
Performances
To fulfil its mission, the choir conducts regular performances at various community-based events and fundraisers. Examples include Burrinja Sing, Olinda Car Boot Sale, Emerald Pave Festival, the Belgrave Lantern Parade, SelbyFest, Tecoma a’cappella Festival, Tecoma Ethical Market and others.

In 2010, ‘Sweet Surprises’ became a regular fixture in the choir’s calendar. This is a night where each member has the opportunity to present a song, either as a solo or in small groups.

Past Choir leaders
2005 – Celeste Cleason was the first director
2007 – Bronwyn Robinson
2009 – Chris Riseley
2012 – Jess Nab

Current Choir Leader, Susy Hull, joined us in 2022 after Jess Nab moved on to work on other projects.