Matt Hewson
The Geelong Youth Choir is launching its 2024 with an invitation for young people to come along and find out what being part of a choir is all about.
The choir, which has been helping primary and secondary school children explore music, singing and performance since 1988, will hold an open day on Wednesday, January 31 at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus.
The open day will feature four open rehearsal sessions between 4.30pm and 8.30pm, which newcomers can join to get a taste of the choir experience. Three of the sessions are for children, while the Voices for Geelong adult choir will also be rehearsing.
Phillipa McQuinn, Geelong Youth Choir’s director of music and conductor of its secondary school-aged Cantore choir, said the open day would be a great opportunity for children and adults alike to join in and have a go.
“Singing is for everybody, not just for people who think they can sing,” she said.
“It’s great for confidence-building, and being in a large group really takes the pressure off as well.
“Overall, singing makes you happy. Come along and try it out, because you might surprise yourself.”
The open day is part of a general 2024 reboot of the youth choir after the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a drop in numbers of both participants and staff.
While the younger choir members will focus on discovering new music, basic singing techniques and musical games throughout the year, older children will have the opportunity to attend workshops with professional musicians and work toward public performances.
“Learning music helps with so many different types of development; it can help with language, numeracy, literacy, as well as just letting young minds be creative and be themselves,” Ms McQuinn said.
Visit geelongyouthchoir.com to register or for more information on the Geelong Youth Choir Open Day.
