By Jacqui Paulson
COMMUNITY singing is fast becoming a music phenomenon in Victoria. Experienced and beginning singers are joining together to share in something called singing in a circle. But what exactly does this mean and why are all these people gathering regularly to sing songs with strangers?
COMMUNITY singing is fast becoming a music phenomenon in Victoria. Experienced and beginning singers are joining together to share in something called singing in a circle. But what exactly does this mean and why are all these people gathering regularly to sing songs with strangers?
Felicia Di Stefano, a member of the Wonthaggi Sing for Fun group, put it this way: "I love singing. I sing with my whole being; my heart, my soul and my whole body. My body feels the rhythm of the song and moves in unison. I become totally involved in the song; while the song lasts, I am the song. The people who sing the song with me are part of me and the song. Since an opportunity has never before arisen in my life to sing, I owe this unique experience of unity and love to community singing."
Danielle Paulson says community singing gives her the opportunity to play and learn. "It's because of the freedom of community singing that my confidence has grown - in both myself and in my singing."
Community singing provides a safe place for people to experience the thrill of singing and being part of a group. It's open to all those who wish to attend, regardless of ability and experience. Yet at the same time, there is a freedom that allows the beauty of the music to shine through.
People are the very essence of community singing. It is the formation of the community itself, which provides the heart and soul for the music. The harmony of sound is a reflection of the community being built, which is formed in the very process of learning to sing together.
Unlike with more formal choirs, the perfection of the music is not the goal. The goal is the formation of a community that sings together. The purpose of that community is transient, dependent upon the needs of the members but the goal of community never changes.
In a world filled with the turmoil and threat of war, community singing provides a basis of friendship that transcends age, race, gender and faith. It unites people who might never have met or found anything in common but who, with the joy of singing, find a common desire for beauty, joy, friendship, laughter and love.
I wrote this song, The Music Circle, to celebrate community singing. It's dedicated to the Wonthaggi Sing for Fun group.
Music Circle
Others may have known you for much longer,
And in their minds know all the things you’ve done
But we have sung, and danced and rocked with laughter.
And few could say they’ve ever had such fun.
Some may never learn to hear the music;
Never let its stories touch their hearts;
Never understand the gift of friendship
That singing in a circle can impart.
You have shared the music that’s within you.
And helped me find the music within me.
Voices now entwined, truly sounds divine.
Making peace in perfect harmony.
The Wonthaggi Sing for Fun group meets at Mitchell House at 7pm on the last Wednesday of every month. New members are always welcome. Contact: Jacqui Paulson, 0432 934 681 or jacqui2411@gmail.com.
Danielle Paulson says community singing gives her the opportunity to play and learn. "It's because of the freedom of community singing that my confidence has grown - in both myself and in my singing."
Community singing provides a safe place for people to experience the thrill of singing and being part of a group. It's open to all those who wish to attend, regardless of ability and experience. Yet at the same time, there is a freedom that allows the beauty of the music to shine through.
People are the very essence of community singing. It is the formation of the community itself, which provides the heart and soul for the music. The harmony of sound is a reflection of the community being built, which is formed in the very process of learning to sing together.
Unlike with more formal choirs, the perfection of the music is not the goal. The goal is the formation of a community that sings together. The purpose of that community is transient, dependent upon the needs of the members but the goal of community never changes.
In a world filled with the turmoil and threat of war, community singing provides a basis of friendship that transcends age, race, gender and faith. It unites people who might never have met or found anything in common but who, with the joy of singing, find a common desire for beauty, joy, friendship, laughter and love.
I wrote this song, The Music Circle, to celebrate community singing. It's dedicated to the Wonthaggi Sing for Fun group.
Music Circle
Others may have known you for much longer,
And in their minds know all the things you’ve done
But we have sung, and danced and rocked with laughter.
And few could say they’ve ever had such fun.
Some may never learn to hear the music;
Never let its stories touch their hearts;
Never understand the gift of friendship
That singing in a circle can impart.
You have shared the music that’s within you.
And helped me find the music within me.
Voices now entwined, truly sounds divine.
Making peace in perfect harmony.
The Wonthaggi Sing for Fun group meets at Mitchell House at 7pm on the last Wednesday of every month. New members are always welcome. Contact: Jacqui Paulson, 0432 934 681 or jacqui2411@gmail.com.