A GROUP of singers come together each week to challenge their vocals in a fun environment where the melodies are clear and the entertainment value high.
SingWest community choir was established in 2004 by Andrew Houston and Hugh Oates who wanted to create a choir where freedom of artistic creativity was bounded only by their imagination.
“Our brief is to try and give people an opportunity to perform music in a way they wouldn’t normally get being a volunteer in the community,” Mr Houston said.
“We want to challenge them with (music) they wouldn’t normally sing or be exposed to, and we try and give them an opportunity to perform in venues and places and to crowds they wouldn’t have an opportunity to do.”
As the group’s director of ensembles, Mr Houston said the choir has already travelled and performed at various venues in Tasmanian, and alongside special guests including Gina Jeffreys and Leo Sayer.
“On the horizon for us we are currently looking at trying to record a CD as well as taking part on The Proms,” Mr Houston said.
The Proms event is a concert held every year at the Williamstown Town Hall and attracts an audience of more than 1000 people.
Mr Houston said the 40-member group was predominantly female and includes the vocal styling’s of sopranos and altos, with only six male vocals.
“We are always on the lookout for more males to join … we cover pop tunes to show tunes to comic music – we cover a wide range,” he said.
Mr Houston said the group worked hard but that practice was always a fun environment with no audition necessary.
“We do set some good goals and high standards, but we coach everyone in a relaxed atmosphere and have fun doing it.”
The community choir plays unaccompanied, with the majority of the singing played in four-part harmony.
“One thing I say is if ‘I’m going to make music let’s do it to the best of our ability’,” Mr Houston said.
SingWest rehearses each Monday 7.30pm at the Holy Trinity church, Nelson Parade, Williamstown. For more information contact Hugh Oates 0413 591 342.
