BY DI SNEDDON
The United Wambo Joint Venture has made a significant contribution to assist the Singleton Singers Choir, which is a practical way to support the community and Singleton Singers would like to thank them publicly.
Singleton Singers community choir has performed for many years at various events.
Their last performance pre covid lockdown was in early March for the Singleton Centenary Evensong at All Saints Church where they led the congregation in song.
However, due to the covid restrictions in place, the choir have been prevented from gathering for their weekly Tuesday evening rehearsals in the Salvation Army Hall in York Street.
So, with technology at their fingertips the choir decided to embrace rehearsing via Zoom.
Choir member Andrea Winter encouraged the members to join the zoom world and with a little help Andrea and various tech savvy family members, the choir successfully held their first zoom session in mid-May.
As the weeks progressed the members have become more proficient with the technology world to the extent that members dial in via zoom even if they are away.
Choir Director Kerrie Melamed hosts the weekly zoom rehearsal encouraging the members to continue to enjoy the musical world.
Sharon Schilling keeps the choir connected with weekly email updates, music and lyrics, and Andrea continues to assist with zoom technology and any connection problems.
Weekly sessions see up to 16 choristers on line who range in age from teens to the older generation and they enjoy the magical world of uplifting songs such as Rhythm of Life, Oklahoma, Happy Together, I Am Australian, Mr Sandman, What a Wonderful World, Edelweiss, Island in the Sun and many more from their repertoire.
The choir has also entered into a “sister-choir” friendship with “Singleton Singers” from the township of Swansea Bay, Wales, UK; so named because of their connection to Singleton Hospital at Swansea.
Singleton Singers say that there are many positive aspects to choral singing which include an enjoyment of music and singing, friendship and the health benefits that arise.
So, if anyone is interested in joining our local community choir contact them via their Facebook Page – SINGLETON SINGERS or contact The Hunter River Times on 0456 822 453 and we will put you in contact.
