WHEN she moved to Heathcote with her husband and son three years ago, musician and singer Jessie May realised there was not a lot of live entertainment in the area.<\/p>\n
So, the dedicated singing teacher and solo artist from Pitch Please, started monthly pub choir sessions at Palling Bros. Brewery, earlier this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted to bring the benefits of singing to the community,\u201d May said. \u201cSinging increases blood flow, releases happy chemicals and brings people together.<\/p>\n
\u201cEach session is an informal event. It\u2019s a no judgement zone with support and lots of fun, even if you think you can\u2019t sing.\u201d<\/p>\n
The concept of pub choir is not new and events are held all over Australia, often with sell-out crowds<\/p>\n
At each session, May introduces one song. She invites participants to step out of their comfort zones as she guides them through harmonies, backing, vocals, warm-up, and vocal techniques.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen I let them do it themselves,\u201d she said. \u201cI get goose bumps when I hear all the voices merging into one. Everyone is amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n
May is self-taught and has been singing for more than 20 years and teaching for six years.<\/p>\n
The pub choir events have attracted a range of locals who come along for varied reasons and one regular participant is Daniela Pollard<\/p>\n
\u201cPub choir is just so much fun,\u201d she said. \u201cYou can\u2019t help but get caught up in Jessie\u2019s energy.<\/p>\n
\u201cHer [May\u2019s] knowledge is incredible. She doesn\u2019t judge and gives you confidence to have a go.\u201d<\/p>\n
The cost of each session is $10 and the next pub choir will be held at Palling Bros. Brewery on 28 October, starting at 7.30pm.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
WHEN she moved to Heathcote with her husband and son three years ago, musician and singer Jessie May realised there was not a lot of live entertainment in the area. So, the dedicated singing teacher and solo artist from Pitch Please, started monthly pub choir sessions at Palling Bros. Brewery, earlier this year. \u201cI wanted […]<\/p>\n