Lorraine Vogel wants men and lots of them! And she wants that men’s choir in Penrith (who have advertising banners around the Mountains lately) to stop trying to steal our local singers.
“We have loads of wonderful choirs in the mountains,” said Vogel, a local choir director, “but perhaps not the big budget required to advertise the way they have.”
The Penrith population is projected to reach 206,178 in 2017. On the other hand, the population of the Blue Mountains is expected to reach 78,954 this year. For a community with such a small population, the Blue Mountains is extremely well catered for in terms of choir singing opportunities.
“There are numerous community and private choirs established across the mountains from Blackheath to Glenbrook. Some are men or women only choirs, some are mixed, some specialise in classical or gospel styles, others like Rainsong are more pop oriented and eclectic. Some rehearse during the day, some in the evenings. Some are best for singers with prior experience, others will happily take anyone who walks in the door. There’s even a brilliant musical society here for those who are more theatrically inclined.”
Vogel’s Faulconbridge based choir Rainsong is desperately seeking more male singers, which is a common situation for many choirs.
“I’m sure there are many men out there who secretly love to sing but have never considered joining a choir because they are worried about how their friends might react or perhaps they think that choirs are formal, stuffy and full of old people. But choirs today are a lot of fun, have a wide range of members and often a great sense of camaraderie in the group. Plus you never have to sing by yourself in front of the group unless you want to.”
The health benefits of choir singing are well documented with many studies pointing to significant improvements to both physical and mental wellbeing.
“Singing makes you feel great in so many ways! I truly believe that I work in community health as much as I do in the arts. The most important aspect for me aside from making great music is the sense of connection we feel as we sing together, it’s a very special thing.
Susan Ross of Katoomba has been a member of Vogel’s choir for four years and says “I wouldn’t miss it for the world! For the two hours I’m singing I don’t think about anything else, it’s my therapy. I go home on the biggest high”.
Vogel is so keen to find more male singers that she is offering a term’s free choir fees to men who join Rainsong. “ So here’s a challenge all you fellas who sing in the shower or belt out songs to the car radio. I wonder if you dare to take the next step?” Vogel is certain that Blue Mountains choirs will welcome men with open arms.
“I always meet with potential choir members privately first, just to hear them sing a little bit and find out where their voice would be the most comfortable. So if any men out there would like to explore what their voice can do in a non-threatening, friendly environment, I’d love to hear from them. If Wednesdays at Faulconbridge are not convenient or if they’re looking for a different style of group, I can put them in touch with choir leaders from anywhere in the mountains. There’s a choir near you!”
And as for that Penrith choir trying to steal our men?
“By all means if that appeals to you, go for it. I just want our Mountain men to know how many great singing opportunities there are on their doorstep”.
Lorraine Vogel is happy to hear from any men or women keen to sing and can be contacted at lorraine.vogel@ozdots.com.au .