1986, History and other events

Many performances of the most popular oratorio, The Messiah, have given both choir and budding soloists opportunity to shine. Finding a suitable theatre has always been a challenge for companies in this part of Melbourne. For our second G&S we used the small theatre at Eltham College. In this year we established the pattern of both a stage show and an oratorio in each year. We donated $2300 to charity, making $3600 so far.

Another new project, which has also continued over the years, gave those who did not read music the opportunity to learn their parts from tapes for individual voice parts. Once again the Diamond Valley Choral Society lent their experience to help the young society.

In the middle of Pinafore rehearsals, some members of the group gave a concert at Euroa (Graham's brother John's home town) thus demonstrating the group's versatility.

Shortly after the excitement of Pinafore had died down, the Annual General Meeting was held at Marilyn Billing's house. The meeting was preceded by the Pinafore video, taken by Keith Billing, and people were given the opportunity of ordering their own copies. At the meeting Graham was elected President again, with Chearle Bugge as Treasurer and Barbara Forbes as Secretary. $2,300 had been raised for World Vision from Pinafore proceeds.

Christmas was fast approaching, bringing a commitment to help with the Diamond Valley Carols, which proved to involve sitting in the rain, holding soggy music. The Eltham Carols by Candlelight, in which the Valley Musical Society was the featured choir, was held under more pleasant conditions. The choir sang four items and Graham, Mavis and Barbara Amatnieks performed solos. The Diamond Creek Combined Carol Service also featured the Valley Musical Society.