Love to sing? Then try this

Phillip Island’s choir is calling for new members.

The call comes ahead of Island Harmony Singers’ upcoming concert “On the Brighter Side”, at St John’s Uniting Church Cowes, Saturday July 15, at 2pm.

But member Terry Norquay says new members need not fear, they won’t be thrust on stage immediately for the concert.

“If you are interested in learning more about the choir why not come along to rehearsal to hear what we are doing and to have a chat,” Terry says.

“New choir members are welcome, and can come along to a rehearsal to try it out.”

The group rehearses every Tuesday at 1.30pm at St John’s with more than 20 members.

Island Harmony Singers are in their 18th year and each year run mid-year and Christmas concerts, as well as a variety of performances in aged-care facilities, and other community events.

“And we enjoy collaborating with the visiting Singularity Performance Choir in their annual Gilbert and Sullivan concert at St John’s, all under the guidance of our conductor, Cecily Woodberry, and pianist Olena Kosaruk.”

Terry says there are no auditions and members are not required to read music “but it helps”.

“Especially if people are familiar with four-part harmony singing for soprano, alto, tenor and base.

“We are a harmony choir, and although many current members do not read music, they find they learn by ear as rehearsals continue, and we go over each part thoroughly so that everyone knows the notes.”

She says the choir performs all styles of music from classic to folk, opera to gospel and “ballads to the Beatles”.

“We are prepared to challenge ourselves with new music all the time.

“It’s a broad spectrum, that’s why the choir has kept going. Not everyone wants to do Gilbert and Sullivan and members are able to suggest songs.”

Terry says choral singing and performance has been experiencing a resurgence in recent years, reflecting the “attraction of such communal activities, and also the many benefits of singing in a group”, which includes breath work, boosting the brain and social connection.

“For the audience there are benefits too, such as a sense of physical and emotional wellbeing during and after the concert.”

Conductor Cecily trained in England and at the Conservatorium of Melbourne. She has performed as a soloist and ensemble member in operas, most recently with Melbourne Opera Company, and on the concert stage.

Terry says Cecily has a holiday house on the island and she approached her to be the conductor of Island Harmony Singers after Cecily’s Melbourne choir, Singularity, last performed in Cowes.

Details: Terry Norquay 0418 134 709, or go to www.islandharmonychoir.au, or Facebook: Phillip Island Harmony Choir

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