I am a rubbish singer
If you want to sing out – sing out!
I feel all sweaty. I think I’m going to faint.
I’m about to sing with a group of strangers. But I can’t sing. I braved a karaoke stage as an 18 year old and my “friends” recorded my effort and uploaded it onto Youtube … I vowed never to sing again in public.
But the Wellington Community Choir turns five years old in September and the editor sent me and my partner along to find out what it’s about.
So entering the Wesley Methodist community hall in Taranaki St on a wet, windy Wednesday for choir practice was quite intimidating.
The first thing I noticed was the atmosphere of gaiety, and I was astonished by the number of people. The choir now numbers about 250, and most were present as they’re practising for a forthcoming gala concert.
A large sign, welcoming new members, provided a bit of comfort to this marginal singer. I felt a strong urge to run away.
However, I was met with a warm greeting from two members of the choir who took a break from rehearsing to ensure that I felt included. My partner was clearly trying to hold back her laughter as, encouraged by others, I joined with the group and surprisingly mustered the confidence to sing out loud. The choir’s director, Julian Raphael, seemed to make it easy for us to sing as he wanted. And what he wants is plenty – the choir is split up into different groups who sing different parts.
Founding member Ralph Gracie told me: “We aim to make our music accessible to all. The choir gives people the opportunity to find their own voice and not worry about always getting it right.” The choir sings songs from all around the world in many languages, and choristers seem to have little trouble picking up the words and sounds.
The Wellington Community Choir is probably the only choir in New Zealand where new singers come along every week. I’d have to say the format is proving successful as it began with only 60 members in 2006, and now has around 250.
“We welcome all people, regardless of previous choral experience. Many adult members of the choir tell me that they haven’t sung with other people since they were children,” he says.
The choir really seems to bring people together, and one thing that really struck me was the number of young people singing.
“It really is a joy to meet people of all ages and backgrounds who come together to enjoy a shared interest,” says Gracie.
To celebrate the fifth birthday the choir is holding a gala concert at the Town Hall, with a guest appearance by Wellington Chamber Choir Nota Bene.
Wellington Community Choirs Gala Concert, Town Hall, 7.30pm, September 18.
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