Community choir back in full voice

WITH One Voice Choir, the singing group focused on helping create are more connected and supportive community, is back for 2020.

The Ballarat group was formed last year and rehearse at UFS Dispensaries’ administration office in Soldier’s Hill. The Choir is a partnership between UFS and Creativity Australia.

“Using singing as the vehicle for community inclusion is the centrepiece of why our program works,” said Tania de Jong, founder of Creativity Australia.

“Music is a powerful social magnet and acts as a super ‘social glue’ that binds people together. The more we use music to bring us together, literally and figuratively, the more potential for increased empathy, social connection, and cooperation.”

The Ballarat choir is one of 25 across Australia and nationally With One Voice has over 1000 members.

With a focus on using singing to help people be happier, healthier and better connected to the community as a whole, the group welcomes everyone: people who can sing, those who can’t or have never really tried, community members undergoing challenge, and those who just want to try something new.

Lynne McLennan, CEO of UFS Dispensaries’ said the aims of With One Voice Choir fitted in well with the community controlled social enterprise pharmacy chain.

“We established and co-fund the choir as an important health and community initiative for Ballarat,” she said.

“The concept perfectly resonates with the social and community values of UFS and we share a like-minded approach to living well.”

With One Voice Choir meets at the UFS Dispensaries’ administration facility at 206 Armstrong Street North, Soldiers Hill every Wednesday evening between 6pm and 7.30pm.

No bookings are required, and new guests are welcome just to show up on the night. You can also visits creativityaustralia.org.au/choirs/ballarat for more information and to register your interest.