Donations
Diamond Valley Singers is unique in that it has two main aims: to enjoy making vocal music together, and to raise money for charities. As a consequence, none of the Diamond Valley Singers are paid to perform. The members of the Eltham Orchestra donate their time but we supplement that with small amounts to instrumentalists. Over the DVS lifetime, we have donated $180,300.00 (to the end of 2022) to a number of charities. These include World Vision Australia, International Needs Australia, and Open House (Ivanhoe) as well as to other appeals such as in response to bushfires and floods.
Our creative teams are not paid, and we wish to thank them all for their dedication and contributions. Many DVS members or parents donate much time enthusiastically to preparing for our productions, or working during the shows: backstage or front of house. Singers are expected to contribute in many other ways than just their performing; we are a community theatre company, and would not survive without these many gifts of time and energy.
In 2020, a book ‘In the Name of Theatre’ was published by Cheryl Threadgold. It included this statement about DVS.
'Since it’s formation in 1985, the Diamond Valley Singers Incorporated have earned a fine reputation for raising money for local and international charities and giving local performers the opportunity to participate in productions. Graham Ford, Artistic Director for thirty years, co-founded the Diamond Valley Singers with Ian Lowe. by 2018, the company had raised $160,000 for World Vision and other local charities such as Open House in Ivanhoe. During an interview, co-founder Doctor Ian Lowe recalled conducting the Eltham Community Orchestra in 1985 when World Vision launched its first Freedom from Hunger Campaign. Ian realised he had an orchestra and could use it to raise some money. “We put on a concert, singing teachers Graham and Mavis Ford organised a singing group to present Trial by Jury in the Baptist Church, Greensborough, and this led to the formation of the Diamond Valley Singers”.
'Since then, musicals have mostly been presented at Warrandyte High School’s theatrette, with the Eltham Community Orchestra continuing to play for performances. Oratorios such as Handel’s Messiah have been presented in a variety of churches, mainly Diamond Creek Uniting Church, where the company rehearses. Since 2018 DVS has presented a fully staged junior production for the under 18 year members early in the year as well as the main production in July. Approximately one hundred and thirty four members belong to the Diamond Valley Singers, with ages ranging from post-secondary school students upwards. “The primary skill required is that members can sing in tune and hold a part … we are one of the few companies in Melbourne who does not audition our chorus for musicals, or the choir for oratorio, but do audition the principals”, said Ian. As most members cannot read music, rehearsal CDs are provided to help learn parts.'
If you wish to be a part of this effort, we invite you to join, or make contact and ask how you can help. In addition, or instead, you might like to contribute financially to what has become a very worthwhile community venture. If so, please contact our treasurer, asking how you might be able to assist.