Big day for big voices

Songs around the piano: Anne-Maree Keppel, Carolyn Priddle, Charles Rodger, Marilyn Kent and Jane Nice at the keyboard. Photo: SUPPLIED

SING Australia Ballarat and Ballarat North will be joining with other Sing Australia groups across the nation to celebrate what has become a country-wide celebration of Sing Australia on Saturday, 13 April.

With over 180 members, the two Sing Australia groups in Ballarat have gained a reputation for providing an inclusive, welcoming environment for people who love to sing.

The national celebration of Sing Australia will be hosted by in Ballarat at a regional gathering. Organisers said it’s a great opportunity for friends, families and other interested members of the community to come along and join in to find out whether musical organisation they would like to be a part of.

Carolyn Priddle, leader of the two Ballarat groups said it was going to be a great afternoon of singing as members from Geelong, Ararat and Bendigo were coming to city.

“There are going to be probably 140 singers, but there is always room for members of the community who would like to test the waters, and we really are a very friendly group of people,” she said.

“Just a few years ago there were only about 70 in the group, but as the community heard what a great time we all have, more have joined us and we now have two groups. We meet on a Monday night at the BMI in Sturt Street and on a Thursday morning at BLOC in Peel Street.”

Sing Australia is more than just singing. People of all abilities are welcome and it is perhaps the friendship and genuine caring for each other that provides much needed support when members are experiencing life changing and personal challenges.

There are many documented benefits to singing, from improving physical, social and mental health to feeling connected and appreciated.

While everyone has a singing voice, the pleasure of doing it with others offers a level of confidence that makes it such an enjoyable experience.

There’s a warm welcome for you at the Wendouree Uniting Church in Grevillea Road on Saturday, 13 April from 1pm to 4pm. Come along and prepared to be uplifted, energised and surprised at how good you feel. Cost $10 for an afternoon of singing and light refreshments.

For further information contact Carolyn Priddle on 0416 005 722.