Harambee is a 22 voice a cappella choir from Melbourne, Australia. They combine tight harmony, amazing vocal effects, funky beats, inventive arrangements and catchy melodies to create fun, addictive acappella pop performances. They perform their favourite contemporary music, arranged mostly within the group, using every thinkable vocal sound and the results are that which haven't been seen before in Australia. Harambee was founded in 2002 by inaugural Musical Director Sarah Patterson and a group of friends studying music teaching together at university. The name "Harambee" means "in the spirit of togetherness" in Swahili. In their early years, the repertoire sung by the group was a variety of music from around the world. In 2006, Harambee advanced to the State Finals of the ABC Classic FM “Choir of the Year” competition, which was broadcast live all over Australia. In 2008, Harambee participated in Channel 7's "Battle of the Choirs", and absolutely loved the experience. They advanced to the Grand Final, and placed 3rd overall in the competition. In June / July 2009, Harambee decided to embark on a “Friendship Tour” after their experience on Channel 7’s “Battle of the Choirs” in 2008. Being on "Battle of the Choirs" really was a very inspiring experience for all the members of Harambee, and every member of the choir believes that they grew and developed as performers. New friendship were formed with other choirs and bonds strengthened within the choir. The TV show was also influential in the musical direction that Harambee has decided to take. Since appearing on the show, the members of Harambee have focussed on performing and arranging music in a more popular style and their concerts are filled with original arrangements of many of their favourite songs. In March 2009, the singers in Harambee were privileged to work with contemporary a cappella expert, Deke Sharon, from the USA whose advice was invaluable and very inspiring. Harambee’s performances are characterised by an obvious enjoyment in every singer, and every song is delivered in an entertaining style. Harambee prepares two major concerts each year, and we also enjoy performing in festivals and eisteddfods. For three years running, 2004 - 2006, and in 2009, Harambee was awarded 1st place in the Boroondara Eisteddfod A Cappella Choral section, and in 2008 were awarded 1st place in the Waverley Eisteddfod (where we performed as a combined choir with Suara). Harambee has also performed for sell-out audiences in our concerts at the Thornbury Theatre, BMW Edge at Federation Square, Kingston Arts Centre, and the Box Hill Community Arts Centre for the past five years. In 2010, Harambee was excited to welcome long-time member, Jane Patterson, into the position of Musical Director. In July of that year, they formed part of the "core choir" at the Festival of Voices in Hobart, in the Contemporary A Cappella Choir workshop stream with Austin Willacy (USA) and then returned to Melbourne to launch their first Acappella Pop album - 'In Your Head'.