THE Wimmera’s first street choir will aim to promote community inclusion through music.
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Horsham resident Max Pietruschka has established Voices of Wimmera, a group based on the Choir of Hard Knocks.
Jonathon Welch formed the latter choir, comprising homeless and disadvantaged people, in Melbourne in 2006.
The group featured in an ABC television series and has performed at the Melbourne Town Hall and the Sydney Opera House.
The choir also released a CD that sold about 100,000 copies.
Mr Pietruschka, who is new to the region, said he wanted to share his passion for music with others.
His parents were accomplished musicians, and Mr Pietruschka has performed in many choirs including Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Choral, and THECHO!R.
He was also a Choir of Hard Knocks director.
“Jonathon has created a fantastic model that promotes community inclusion through song,” he said.
“With the help of a team of volunteers, I aim to establish a similar opportunity for people in the Wimmera.
“This will be a choir for the people and by the people.
“Everyone who is interested in having fun, singing and getting to know their community is welcome to join.
”If you have never sung before, this is your chance to discover the fun of singing.”
Mr Pietruschka said people did not need singing experience to join the choir.
“We’ll support each other’s different singing talents on the journey,” he said.
Mr Pietruschka said Wimmera Primary Care Partnership, Horsham Rural City Council and Horsham’s Trevor Bysouth had offered support for the group.
Wimmera music teacher Unmani will serve as choir director and pianist.
“Singing is natural, it makes you feel good and the instrument you come with is free of charge,” she said.
“I feel we need a fun environment where the norm is singing together. Tunefulness, tone production and vibrato all come a very long last behind opening up your lungs and just singing.
“The choir will provide a relaxed and safe environment and this will encourage friendship between residents. It will hopefully lead to greater community inclusion and provide opportunities to build self-esteem and confidence”.
Mr Pietruschka said the group would host a meet and greet on May 30 at the Horsham CWA hall from 6.30pm to 8pm.
He said practice would run weekly at the hall from June 20, also from 6.30pm to 8pm.
He said people could call 0412 522 989, email info@voicesofwimmera.org.au or visit www.voicesofwimmera.org.au to register interest or for more information.
