Songs for Young and Old

SINCE 2014 Ballarat North Primary School Grades 4 and 5 have been visiting Sing Australia North Ballarat for an annual sharing of songs and fun.

This year was even more special as Ange Marshall, Ballarat North’s Choir Leader and Grade 3/4 teacher, who just happens to be the youngest member of Sing Australia Ballarat, was presented with her 10-year long service badge from Leader Carolyn Priddle.

This special occasion was shared by Ms Marshall’s daughter, Lily, 9, who many members from Sing Australia remember as just a baby in arms when Ange couldn’t keep away from singing all those years ago.

“The students and I are so thankful to Sing Australia for giving us the opportunity to visit every year and to sing together,” Ms Marshall said.

“Our school values are Care, Respect, Excellence and Community. This experience embodies all of these values perfectly, as well as being a fun and inspiring morning for us.

“We love to sing, and this experience helps the students feel part of a special community beyond our school. It is one of the highlights of our year.”

Ms Marshall is now a classroom teacher rather than a specialist music teacher.

She and her young, enthusiastic choir members give up their lunch break to come together to learn new songs. This commitment has paid off as the young singers have become more confident over the years.

Marilyn Kent, Musical Director for Sing Australia Ballarat said that everyone is born with a singing voice and the sooner young people get the opportunity to sing, the more confident they become.

“Singing really brings such joy into people’s lives. To share this experience with these young, enthusiastic students is an absolute delight,” Ms Kent said.

“Singing exercises the body, the brain and the soul. And young people pick up the rhythm, words and musicality of songs so quickly. We really look forward to the school’s visit.”

Carolyn Priddle, Leader of Sing Australia in Ballarat said that singing knows no limitations of age.

“Amongst our members we have Ange, who is our youngest member to others – who are well into their 80s. And we hope in time that these young choir members from Ballarat North will consider joining Sing Australia,” Ms Priddle said.

Sing Australia meets on a Monday night at the Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute at 7.00 pm and on a Thursday morning at the BLOC rehearsal rooms in Peel Street at 10.00 am. Everyone is welcome, and no audition is required.