More than nine choirs came together to participate in a ‘choir jam’ gathering in the west.
Described by Jane York from Country Music Victoria as a “choir jam“, the afternoon was a celebration of the community choirs of Hobsons Bay and Wyndham held at the Laverton Community Hub.
The choirs which performed were Willin’ Women, With One Voice Wyndham, With One Voice Hobsons Bay, Newport Community Choir and Laverton Community Choir.
Jane said other choir members from Werribee Community Singers, Sing West, Western Melbourne Men’s Chorus and With One Voice Sunbury also participated.
“It was amazing, such a great success,” she said.
More than 100 people attended the event organised by Community Music Victoria in Partnership with Creativity Australia.
“We started with a singing workshop with three of our local leaders, then we had afternoon tea and got to enjoy some show and tell performances from the host choirs.
“COVID made it very difficult for community choirs to gather folks together, so it was so lovely to have an opportunity to sing in a larger group.“
Jane said no matter how much experience singers had, everyone concluded it was an incredible feeling.
“Coming together with that many voices and singing harmony is truly healing and connected us all,” she said.
Community Music Victoria is currently working on a project called Growing Community Music, which Jane said services everything from community bands, ukulele groups, community choirs, neighbourhood houses, singing groups and more.
“We want to support in any way we can, so this event was created to help connect all the choirs in Hobsons Bay and Wyndham,“ she said.
“Community choirs in Hobsons Bay are still going strong, even after the challenges of the last few years there are still lots of choirs you can join in your area.”
Jennifer Pittorino
