By Julie Statkus
WHO doesn't enjoy belting out a rollicking tune in the shower? It can't be just me because between 20 and 40 people come to the Wonthaggi Baptist Church Hall twice a month to sing in the Good News Community Choir.
Inspired by the Soweto Gospel Choir, Jacqui and Dani Paulson are leading this enthusiastic group of people who enjoy singing regardless of their skill (talking about me again). Jacqui and Dani take traditional songs and transform them into beautiful harmonies, sometimes combining a couple of songs to form something completely new. And there are often cameo solos from individual singers, adding a Soweto Choir feel.
WHO doesn't enjoy belting out a rollicking tune in the shower? It can't be just me because between 20 and 40 people come to the Wonthaggi Baptist Church Hall twice a month to sing in the Good News Community Choir.
Inspired by the Soweto Gospel Choir, Jacqui and Dani Paulson are leading this enthusiastic group of people who enjoy singing regardless of their skill (talking about me again). Jacqui and Dani take traditional songs and transform them into beautiful harmonies, sometimes combining a couple of songs to form something completely new. And there are often cameo solos from individual singers, adding a Soweto Choir feel.
“Kum Ba Ya” and “Michael Row the Boat Ashore” are two that get my juices flowing, while the soulful songs provide an opportunity to catch your breath and are beautiful to sing. I can relate to “Nobody Knows the Troubles I've Seen” and “Do it Right”, Jacqui's own soulful, moving song.
It’s wonderful to see how far a song can go under their direction, We start off all over the place and in a short time have something that sounds (excuse me) heavenly! We are learning breathing techniques and the importance of looking at the conductor.
From looking at the conductor we learn when it’s her turn to sing and our turn to listen and when it’s our turn to sing. We learn when to go quieter and when to sing louder. We self-select which harmonies suit our own voice and where our personal comfort zone is. Singing opens up your heart and it feels good.
A little tip for anyone inspired to come along and try ... standing next to a singer who can carry a tune works for me.
I car pool with a friend (thanks Daryl). It started with just me and now two more have joined the car pool.
We are fortunate to have this talented family generously sharing their leadership and musical skills. Just another reason why I love living here so much.
The Good News Community Choir meets at the Wonthaggi Baptist Church Hall on the second and fourth Monday of the month from 7-9pm.
It’s wonderful to see how far a song can go under their direction, We start off all over the place and in a short time have something that sounds (excuse me) heavenly! We are learning breathing techniques and the importance of looking at the conductor.
From looking at the conductor we learn when it’s her turn to sing and our turn to listen and when it’s our turn to sing. We learn when to go quieter and when to sing louder. We self-select which harmonies suit our own voice and where our personal comfort zone is. Singing opens up your heart and it feels good.
A little tip for anyone inspired to come along and try ... standing next to a singer who can carry a tune works for me.
I car pool with a friend (thanks Daryl). It started with just me and now two more have joined the car pool.
We are fortunate to have this talented family generously sharing their leadership and musical skills. Just another reason why I love living here so much.
The Good News Community Choir meets at the Wonthaggi Baptist Church Hall on the second and fourth Monday of the month from 7-9pm.