Local Vocals ready to flex chords for second year

REGISTRATIONS are open for the Torquay-based Local Vocals All-Abilities Choir in 2022, which is expected to be an even more rewarding year than the last.

The Local Vocals All-Abilities Choir was formed during the pandemic early in 2021.

Organiser and professional singer Dianne Makings wanted to start the choir to give people from all walks of life
the opportunity to sing and perform.

“Being a singer myself I know what that ‘buzz’ feels like when performing on a stage,” Ms Makings said.

“There is nothing else like it. It makes me really happy to know I am giving someone an opportunity to do something that they have always wanted to do.

“I love making people feel good about themselves and I can see the joy on their faces when they are performing.”

Ms Makings also works in education support at St Joseph’s College working with students who have additional needs.

Local Vocals is an all-inclusive choir that welcomes everyone.

No matter what age, gender or ability, the choir works together as a team to collaborate on songs in the hope to perform them in a public arena.

“Although we have only been going for 12 months, we have achieved quite a lot last year. We had a couple of performances within the community,” Ms Makings said.

“One of our members, Aimee Miller, lives with an intellectual disability and is an amazing song writer.

“I wrote some chords to her lyrics, and we were selected in the Top 10 finalists of the Art of the Minds Song Contest.

“Aimee and I performed in front of an audience at the Torquay Bowls Club. Aimee received an encouragement award and $100. This is why I do what I do. To be able to give Aimee this opportunity was priceless for me and makes me so happy.”

Although the choir is based in Torquay, participants do not need to live locally to attend.

The choir also has full access for wheelchairs and offers a disabled toilet. Furthermore, singers do not have to live with a disability to be a member either, anyone can join.
The first session with the choir is a free trial, but following that, participation does incur a fee of $10 each week.

“I certainly don’t do this for the money so if anyone has any struggles financially, they are encouraged to let me know,” Ms Makings added.

“I will not turn away anyone because they are unable to pay, and I can also invoice NDIS participants.”
Ms Makings said there were numerous benefits of the choir such as the feeling of unity, reducing your anxiety and stress levels, a positive for one’s mental health and social well-being, and confidence building – just to name a few.

Reach out to Ms Makings on 0438 614 308 or [email protected] to enquire about memberships.
Sessions run every Monday between 5.45pm and 6.45pm at the TIA Hall on Price Street in Torquay.