Matt Hewson
Local choir members have organised a pub-style choir event in support of the Voice to Parliament in early October.
The Sing Up Loud and Proud for Yes! event will take place at the Geelong Trades Hall on Saturday, October 7, with the impromptu choir to be led by Marcia Howard and Rose Bygrave of Goanna fame and veteran singer and musical educator Stella Savy.
Organisers Ellen Csar and Jeannette Johanson said the idea was partly based on the Pub Choir phenomenon founded in Brisbane in 2017, but mostly inspired by the Sing Treaty event in Melbourne organised by Stephen Taberner and the Spooky Mens Chorale.
“We attended that big sing, which 450 singers attended at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl,” Ms Csar said.
“Stephen Taberner came up with a four-part harmony (version) of the Yothu Yindi song Treaty. It was amazing.
“From that, our idea came about. We looked at each other and said, why don’t we put on a similar event in Geelong?”
The pair said local choir groups, singers and anyone who wanted to lend their voice to the Yes campaign were invited to come along.
“We love singing, and we’re hoping that various singers and choirs in Geelong will come along, but also individual singers,” Ms Johanson said.
Ms Csar said musical experience was not a prerequisite for joining in the chorus.
“You don’t need a background in singing to come along. If you just want to have fun, come along on the day and learn, that’s fine too,” she said.
Ms Csar said it was a chance to support Indigenous Australians in having a say in their own destiny.
“We think it’s about time the Indigenous members of the community had a platform to be able to speak to the higher-ups in Parliament House,” she said.
Visit eventbrite.com.au and search for Sing Up Loud and Proud for more information or to book a spot.
