Voices soar in women’s choir

TARA Flinn knows music can help people connect, which is why she started the MaCapella choir for mums looking to hit the stage and have some fun.

The former singing teacher founded the group in Castlemaine after having her first child and expanded the initiative to Bendigo at the Old Church on the Hill.

“It’s not just about the singing. [The choir] has been such a beautiful place for women to come and meet and it’s a really great support group,” Ms Flinn said.

“It’s kind of like a mother’s group but with a difference, with something else in common that women like to do that isn’t just about being a mum.

“It’s a beautiful thing to do, we really enjoy it, we sound great, we do performances, but the blessing is in the connectivity between people and having that point of difference to not only have your children to talk about but have something you’re working towards together and have a bit of a laugh.”

The Bendigo choir rehearses on Thursday nights and Friday mornings, and Ms Flinn said rehearsals can be just as fun for children as they are for mums.

“They really enjoy the music and they pick up so much. I have to be super careful about what we sing,” she said.

“My daughter knew the alto part to Somebody That I Used To Know when she was 11 months old because she was coming to three classes a week.”

Having grown from its original purpose as a group specifically for mums and their children, the choir now welcomes all women wanting to try something new.

Repertoire is taught by ear so no experience is necessary and the Bendigo choir, along with groups in Castlemaine and Kyneton, is preparing for an upcoming showcase planned for late November to celebrate MaCapella’s five year anniversary.

Rehearsals are held during the school term and more information is available by searching MaCapella Singers on Facebook or visiting macapella.com.