by Kath Ware
It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life for me. And I’m feelin’ good! Now there’s a new year’s resolution you can sing in the shower each morning. In fact, you can even sing it with others, alongside fellow songbirds who love harmonising together.
Circular Keys Chorus is offering all women who have a new year’s urge to sing in a chorus the opportunity to come along to a six-week course, starting in February. The ‘Learn to Sing A Cappella’ singing workshop starts on 18th February and runs for six consecutive Wednesdays from 7.30 to 10pm. Participants will learn vocal techniques from one of Australia’s leading professional directors and be surrounded by a group of like-minded women who love sharing the exhilaration of singing ‘a cappella’ style, that is without instrumental accompaniment.
Women of all ages and all levels of ability are welcome to attend the workshop. There is no need to have any background in music or singing. The total cost is $150, and participants who complete the course and wish to join Circular Keys Chorus will be taken through the membership requirements by Vicki Dwyer, the musical director. When asked what sorts of attributes she looks for in new members, Vicki says: ‘Above all, it’s a love of singing and a desire to get the most out of your own capabilities. Many of our members didn’t even realise they could sing harmony until they came to one of our workshops’.
CKC is based in Bella Vista, in the Hills District and performs regularly in concerts and community events throughout Sydney. They have won many national awards since the chorus was formed in 1995 and have represented Australia four times in Sweet Adelines International competitions, most recently last year in Ohio, USA, where they were ranked in the top 20 women’s choruses in the world. Members come from all over Sydney and from all social demographics, including students, mothers, grandmothers, business people and retirees.
Singing with CKC has transformed many women’s lives. In addition to the joy of coming together each week to create beautiful music, there are lots of personal reasons why individual members were drawn to the chorus and decided to stay. For Glenhaven resident, Ann Keating, ‘it’s the friendships and support we give each other. We all help one another get through life’s challenges, the ups and the downs’.
Jen from Riverstone was looking for a new hobby to expand her horizons when she attended a workshop nearly ten years ago. ‘Circular Keys Chorus certainly provides the opportunity to learn and grow. Singing with the chorus you never stop learning, and with the education you get each week you just keep getting better and better. It’s such a thrill.’
Pippa travels from the Sutherland Shire each week. For Pippa it’s the opportunity to do something just for herself. ‘You walk through the door to a rehearsal and you focus just on what you’re doing and stop thinking about what else is happening in your life. It’s like filling your own personal tank with energy that helps you get through the rest of the week’.
Mon from Castle Hill was worried she might not fit in when she came along to her first rehearsal. But she soon discovered that there were other young women in their 20s and 30s just like her. ‘The atmosphere is so welcoming, and I feel like everyone is appreciated for who they are. It doesn’t matter whether you’re outgoing or shy, an expert or a newbie. We’ve all got a common goal and we help each other to be the best versions of ourselves that we can be.’
To register for the six-week workshop starting on Wednesday 18th February, go to www.trybooking.com/DIIZM.
For more information on Circular Keys Chorus, please go to:
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/circularkeys
• Website: www.circularkeys.org
For further enquiries, please email: [email protected]
