Call for kids to find full voice

A RECENTLY-established choir is singing out for young performers to join their junior contingent.

After launching their Eureka program for kids between prep to grade 4 ages during school term two this year, the coordinators behind Ballarat Voices are looking to reach full voice with more members.

Artistic director Lyndell Allen said although the Eureka choir is “small but mighty” with about 10 members, she’d love to see the group doubled.

“This is a new program we’ve got up and running for our smallest people,” she said. “It’s just about getting the word out that we’re here and that we’re offering this service for kids.

“Especially post-COVID, we weren’t allowed to sing in classrooms, choirs, or music programs so lots of kids won’t necessarily know about the benefits of singing or won’t have had that experience.

“We want to get the word out there and show them it’s really important for mental and physical health and that it’s a really fun way to meet kids from across Ballarat.”

With Ballarat Voices’ older choir aged between nine and 15 years old, both groups rehearse each Wednesday at the Ballarat South Community Hub.

Those interested in joining can trial a session prior to committing.

Set to be part of the Ballarat Choral Festival’s the Eureka group’s repertoire varies from theatre pieces to folk songs to Australian classics to film songs, with much of their output driven by the kids.

Allen said now is the perfect time to sign up for the Eureka program.

“We take members at any time the start of a new term means it’s a good time to jump in get that full experience of learning songs then performing them,” she said.

“The enthusiasm behind this has been tangible since we started. The kids come in every week busting to sing.

“The most we have from any school is two children. Singing together breaks down barriers where it doesn’t matter what grade or school you come from. We’re all part of the same family.”

Those interested in the Eureka program can visit the Ballarat Voices website or email [email protected].