By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
One of Geelong’s beloved choirs is looking for a new musical director after its long-serving founder decided to pass on the baton.
Belmont’s Jeannette John was the driving force behind the formation of Geelong Welsh Ladies Choir more than 18 years ago but personal tragedy has thwarted her succession plan and “taken the wind out of my sails.
Under her direction the ladies choir developed an international reputation, touring Wales, New Zealand and Australia. A human resources professional, she used her people skills to develop a group of singers with “an emotional connection almost without speaking to each other”.
“It’s a big change for me but also for the choir but we have to think about it as a positive change,” she said.
“Everyone brings different strengths and it’s time for some fresh blood. I’m sad but it is the right time for me and the choir.”
Ms John said the 36-member choir was vibrant and healthy in terms of participants and finances.
“It just needs someone to step up, enhance the repertoire and take the choir to a different place.”
Ms John had hoped to continue until her 70th birthday in 2018 and to undertake a final tour of Wales while finding her replacement.
“But I can’t do it. I’ve run out of energy.”
Ms John planned to remain as a chorister but pull back for three months to allow settling-in time for the new director.
“There’s power in singing, especially singing together, and for me there’s solace in that.”
