Main photo: Sharing culture and song. Photo taken at Big Sing in the Desert 2018. Photo by Amy Jean Harding.
WAITING LIST Closed
BIG SING in the Desert 2020
Sharing culture and song
Thursday 23rd April to Sunday 26th April
It’s our 10th birthday and we are planning a big celebration!
Big Sing in the Desert 2020 is now at full capacity – Waiting List now closed.
The demand for places to attend Big Sing 2020 has been huge. Thank you to everyone who submitted a Booking application. So sorry to disappoint you if you missed out on a place. If you are on the Waiting List we will keep you informed if vacancies come up.
The Big Sing in the Desert is a four-day singing camp that welcomes singers from across Australia at Ross River Resort, an original homestead near Alice Springs. The Big Sing is a unique workshop that provides an opportunity for musical and cultural sharing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous singers. 2020 will be the 10th Anniversary of this incredible event.
More than 130 singers attend from every state in Australia including up to 50 singers from Central Desert Aboriginal communities. Beginners and experienced singers are all welcome.
Your tutors, Rachel Hore and Morris Stuart, are passionate about valuing and preserving the unique sound and style of Central Desert choral singing. Part of the workshop will be to encourage leaders from Central Desert choirs who may wish to share songs, culture and language with us.
To be notified about Big Sing events join the Mailing List.
SPONSOR AN INDIGENOUS SINGER to Big Sing 2020.
Programme details below …
Help us bring singers from the Central Desert communities to BIG SING 2020.
The Programme
We will be learning beautiful songs in 3- or 4-part harmony led by Rachel and Morris, as well as hymns and songs in Aboriginal languages helped by members of local Aboriginal choirs.
There will be time for exploring the red gorges around Ross River, informal singing and a concert.
BIG SING 2020 begins from 4pm on Thursday 23rd April, and finishes on Sunday 26th April at 3pm. We can transport you to Ross River from the airport and Alice Springs at various times from midday onward on Thursday 23rd April. We can also transport you back to Alice Springs or the airport after Big Sing finishes.
The Accommodation
Ross River Homestead is located in the East MacDonnell Ranges, one hour’s drive from Alice Springs. There are 3 types of accommodation to choose from, depending on your budget.
Cabins: 1-2 beds for 2-3 people (one double, two singles, or one double plus one single) with air conditioning, fridge and ensuite. No single cabins available.
Bunkhouse: 2 to a room, 10 minutes walk across the creek from the homestead. Shared amenities block.
Camping: 10 minutes walk across the creek from the homestead. BYO camping gear. Shared amenities block.
Flights
You will need to book your own flights to and from Alice Springs. Because Big Sing finishes late Sunday afternoon, we recommend that return flights be booked for Monday 27th April or later.
Transport
We can provide transport from Alice Springs to Ross River Resort and return. Cost of transport is $35 per person each way.
Food
Food is served buffet style – with a mix of hot and cold options. Vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free diets can be catered for.
A self-catering option is available for self-sufficient campers and those with particular needs. Due to limited food prep and storage facilities we recommend the all-meal option for those staying in the cabins or bunkhouse.
If you are unsure, contact Jodie at jodie@rachelhore.com or 0415 885 335.
The Cost
All meals
2020 prices
(per person, 3 nights, all meals)
| Cabin | $1,120 |
| Bunkhouse | $870 |
| Camping | $840 |
Self-catered breakfast and lunch
2020 prices
(per person, 3 nights, self-catered breakfast and lunch, includes dinner)
| Cabin | $970 |
| Bunkhouse | $710 |
| Camping | $680 |
Your Booking Details
FLIGHTS & TRANSFERS
If you have a confirmed Big Sing in the Desert 2020 booking you can advise us of your flight details, pick-up and drop-off location here.
CHANGES TO BOOKING DETAILS
Changes to your booking details can be advised here.
BALANCE PAYMENTS
Please notify us when you have paid your booking balance owing here.
CANCELLATIONS
Please notify us AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you cannot attend the Big Sing in the Desert 2020. Deposits are non-refundable. Cancellation between 15 February and 31 March 2020 incurs a cancellation fee of 25% of booking amount. Cancellation on or after 1 April 2020 incurs a cancellation fee of 50% of booking amount. No refunds for no-shows.
To notify us of your cancellation please use this form or email Jodie at jodie@rachelhore.com.
Further Information
Jodie Lee
Email: jodie@rachelhore.com
Mob: 0415 885 335
To be notified about Big Sing events join the Mailing List.
About Morris Stuart
Founder and musical director of the Alice Springs choir “Asante Sana”, Morris also directs the Central Australian Aboriginal Women’s Choir whose stories are beautifully told in the film, The Song Keepers.
Many of the women singers who attend Big Sing in the Desert are also members of this choir.
Morris is creative director of the annual Desert Song Festival in Alice Springs.
The scholarship supports Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people from around Australia to attend Big Sing events.
