Cultural Award
Achievements and Background
On behalf of Redland Rhapsody Chorus (RRC), Meredith McNab was pleased to nominate Louise Brannon, the chorus director, for the 2025 Redland's Coast Cultural Award.
Louise Brannon has been an integral member of Redland Rhapsody Chorus for 29 years and played a crucial role in the chorus becoming affiliated with Sweet Adelines International, an esteemed organisation dedicated to promoting excellence in female a cappella/barbershop singing.
In 2016, Louise was appointed as the Director of RRC, a traditionally voluntary position. She successfully completed the Director Certification Program with Sweet Adelines International and participated in multiple educational sessions to enhance both her vocal skills and those of the chorus. In her debut competition as director in 2018, Louise received the "Novice Director" award and led the chorus to secure seventh place overall.
The role of Director encompasses various responsibilities. Louise’s extensive musical knowledge is complemented by her effectiveness as a teacher and people manager. Under her leadership, chorus members have not only developed into proficient singers but have also fostered a strong community of camaraderie. Louise's dedication and organisational skills are evident in her consistently well-planned weekly rehearsals, which involve collaboration with music team members.
In 2021, despite the cancellation of the Sweet Adelines Competition, RRC participated in the men's Barbershop Harmony Society - Sunshine Region competition, where Louise's direction led them to an overall victory.
In 2023, Louise directed Redland Rhapsody Chorus to achieve their highest score at the Sweet Adelines International - Region 34 Competition, attaining the prestigious status of Master 600 Director within six years. The chorus was placed third in Australia during this period.
In May 2024, Redland Rhapsody Chorus surpassed their previous score and emerged as the winner of the Sweet Adelines International (SAI) – Southern Cross Region 34 competition held in Fremantle. This historic achievement marks the first time a Queensland Chorus has won the competition, earning the opportunity to compete at the Sweet Adelines International Competition in Columbus, Ohio, in October 2025. It is an honour to represent Australia on this international stage, attracting singers from across the nation and highlighting the cultural significance of the Redlands.
Community Service and Involvement
Louise brought to the position of Director skills that she developed during her years as an adult leader in a local cadet unit. These skills include organisation, planning, creating, and working effectively with teams. Louise has collaborated with the chorus’s administrative Board to further develop and streamline the audition process for potential members, leading to consistent growth in membership. She meets regularly with the Music Team to plan the program of vocal skills development aimed at improving every member's singing. Under her guidance, the group has experienced growth in numerous aspects.
Redland Rhapsody is an active member of the Redland's community and often conducts performances in aged and disability care facilities and for organizations such as Soroptimists, Zonta, Mater Hospital Markets, and Multicap. During Christmas time, in addition to paid performances at shopping centres and private Christmas celebrations, the chorus participates in community Christmas events eg Victoria Point, Wakerley Carols, Christmas by Starlight, and Lighting of the Christmas Tree. While not all events involve the entire chorus, as Director, Louise plans and attends as many as possible.
Leadership
Since becoming Director, Louise has shown exceptional leadership. Redland Rhapsody thrives under her guidance.
As musical leader, Louise ensures:
• Music selection and purchase, including copyright.
• Creation of learning tracks for new repertoire.
• Well-planned weekly rehearsals with music team involvement.
• Organisation of workshops and coaching sessions.
• Incorporation of fun and laughter in every rehearsal.
Louise pursues excellence relentlessly, supporting a system where members can achieve and perform at high levels. She has upgraded the evaluation system, encouraging self-recording and evaluation, which raises the chorus's performance standard.
Louise is a mentor for others, encouraging them to develop their leadership and musical skills. Following Covid, she initiated online activities and continues to stream rehearsals for those unable to attend in person, allowing global participation from near and far eg USA, India, Europe, and South America.
Community Impact
Under Louise’s leadership, Redland Rhapsody has held a series of musical educational workshops to provide opportunities for individuals to experience group singing. These workshops have aimed to recruit potential members, though some participants have attended solely for the enjoyment.
Louise established a new membership category for long-term members who can no longer commit to full participation. These “Platinum Members” are invited to all major chorus events and continue to be a part of the chorus community as well as the broader community.
In October 2023, Louise helped organize and coordinate “Dazzling Harmonies,” a concert event involving several other choruses including Hot Ginger Chorus (Buderim), Brisbane City Sounds, Blue Sky Harmony (Brisbane), and Bella A’capella (Tamborine Mountain). This event raised over $2300, which was donated to the Silk Rags Project for women living with cancer.
The chorus continues to grow, attracting members from beyond the Redlands, with some considering relocating to the area.
Personal Attributes
Louise leads by example as both a leader and learner, fostering a culture of aspiration, achievement, and constant improvement within the chorus. She is dedicated to continuous learning and excellence, supporting each member to achieve and perform at a high level. Louise has unified the chorus musical leaders with a shared purpose and plan.
Louise has sung in competitive quartets, with her current quartet, “Misdirection” achieving 8th place in 2023 and showcasing their skills in 2024. Competing requires dedication to barbershop and high-level performance and singing skills. Louise has encouraged the development of quartets and small ensembles, offering performance opportunities.
In October 2024, Louise competed with Christchurch City Chorus at the SAI International competition, where they placed 5th. Her experience will be invaluable as the chorus prepares for international competition in 2025 after becoming national champion.
Other Information and Supporting Documentation
Louise's nomination for this award is well-deserved, recognising her significant impact on the cultural arts.
