Community Choir celebrated its first birthday recently. The group meets Friday mornings to sing in harmony surrounded by trees at the Rocky Creek Scout Camp. Local resident Rebecca Hoge instigated the choir for personal reasons.
“I’ve always loved singing, and reached a point where I felt like I really needed to sing. I enquired about singing groups in the area and there wasn’t anything that would work for me.
“I thought, maybe we could make our own group and do things a little differently. To make it about connection to our voices, which a lot of us have lost, connection to others in the community, and connection to nature.”
With support from hinterland development worker Jody Blackburn, Rebecca connected with a like-minded community member Cara Roberts. They enlisted the support of choir leader Brian Martin and Joy of Singing Landsborough was born. Brian conducts four other choirs across the Sunshine Coast and was keen to support Rebecca’s vision of a community choir that was all about connection.
“One of the things I get out of leading choirs is watching people find their voice. Not just their singing voice, but their spoken voice, their personality. Watching people strengthen in their own abilities; to notice themselves and notice that their voice is important.”
The motivation is different for all members. Rebecca’s brother Andrew Hoge said he joined to get together with a bunch of lovely people, have a good time, and go away filled up. For Susan Kroening it’s about having a regular connection point you can count on every week, while Cara Roberts sees singing bring out people’s joy and increase their self-worth.
According to Brian, everyone can sing, and this was all the encouragement Trevor Gibson needed. He loves singing and the choir provides social interaction, a way to get involved in the community, and lots of laughter.
The choir has blossomed over the past 12 months from a handful of singers to almost 20 regulars, with some travelling over an hour to attend. As part of the birthday celebrations, a video was made to capture the thoughts of some participants. You can watch it on the Glasshouse Country and Maleny News Facebook page.
Joy of Singing Landsborough recommences in late January and new members are welcome. No experience or audition is required, just a love of singing. For more information contact eventsbrianmartinmusic@gmail.com
