Meet the Team
_edited_edited.jpg)
Music Director / Conductor / Co-owner
Kate beckwith
(she/her)
Kate is a vocalist, training pianist and social worker with a background in theatre, education, community services and music performance. During the late hours of the night, she works as a youth mental health clinician. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music (performance) in 2017 from Victoria University. She has a love of vocal harmony, synth-pop and percussion! As a musician with AuDHD, Kate is passionate about creating neurodivergent sensitive spaces so that fellow neurospicey humans can build their skills and confidence. Kate is an advocate of the therapeutic effects of singing in an inclusive group space! In 2025, she brought her dream of Northern Polyphonic to fruition with her partner, Sacha.
Favourite artists: Bjork, Aurora, Lady Gaga, Corook, Janelle Monae, Feist, Jose Gonzalez, Bic Runga, Stromae, Troy Sivan, Sufjan Stevens, Bon Iver, Peaches, Wasia Project, Dodie, Regina Spektor

Pianist
Jen Yu
(they/them)
Jen is a graduate of the Australian National Academy of Music and completed a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from the University of Tasmania. Jen has played extensively in the world of classical music. At Northern Polyphonic, Jen draws upon over 15 years of choral and vocal accompanying experience. They feel passionately about fostering safe, inclusive spaces for connecting and music-making. Jen is a fan of fun, improvisation and wonky rhythms.
Favourite artists: Björk, Mitski, RADWIMPS, clipping., Stromae, Tim Minchin, Casiopeia

Drummer & Percussionist
Jack Bear
(he/him)
Jack Bear is a drummer with over 15 years of experience, bringing rhythm and depth to the Northern Polyphonic Art Pop Choir. A passionate percussionist, he has a deep love for the power of rhythm and its ability to connect people. With a background in performance and collaboration, they are dedicated to creating musical spaces where every person can feel the beat in their bones and express themselves freely.
Favourite artists: Kate bush, the xx , the Japanese house , Fleetwood Mac, Alice Phoebe Lou, devendra Banhart, Aurora, Björk

Co-owner (Snugfuzz)
Sacha Fawkes
(he/him)
Sacha is is passionate about connecting communities and facilitating groups and brings his experience as a former circus professional, teacher and facilitator. A beatboxer and singer, Sacha has a love of improvisation, harmonic singing, freestyle rap and arranging. He has facilitated professional beatbox workshops, built theatre and circus performances with kids and adults and performed at festivals. Sacha was Nothern Polyphonic's former Conductor during early 2025. He now plays more of backend business role and occasionally fills in as rehearsal facilitator.
Favourite artists: Shapeshifter, Trinity Roots, Concord Dawn, Hybrid Minds, Big Wett, Doja Cat, Corook, Becky Hill, A Little Sound

Chill-master/Choir Mascot
Guru (he/him)
Guru is a 7 year-old, x-racing, blue greyhound. He makes sure that the vibe for selected music is just right. He enjoys nature walks, pats, ear rubs, long naps and hiding balls around the local park. His favourite snacks are toast and Greek yoghurt. He has many friends around the local neighbourhood. He is the official mascot for Northern Polyphonic and supervises all rehearsals. @guru_the_blue_grey