Redland tenor Jonathon Welch has teamed with the Redland Performing Arts and Donald Simpson Leisure centres to create a new choir project commencing on June 15.
The project entails the formation of three new project choirs which will perform in a fundraising concert at RPAC on September 14.
It is a response to the enthusiasm of an earlier Rock Choir project which brought about 160 singers together for a one-off concert.
The choirs are Only Women Aloud which will rehearse at the Donald Simpson centre on Thursdays from 5.30pm to 7pm and Men Aloud to rehearse at the later time of 7.30pm to 9pm.
Mr Welch is also establishing the School of Hard Knocks choir which will rehearse on Wednesdays from July 12.
All the choirs will perform separately and in combination at the Sing for a Cure concert, raising funds and awareness for the Prostate Cancer Foundation, during Prostate Cancer awareness month.
Mr Welch said the cause was close to his heart, having had prostate surgery earlier this year.
He said the School of Hard Knocks choir was also a special vocal opportunity for people with disabilities, special needs and on NDIS.
“Singing is positive for mental health and this is a way forward and to feel a sense of social inclusion. This is very exciting news,” he said.
Mr Welch said repertoire would be “fun and celebratory”.
“There will be three- and four-part arrangement and a chance to build musical and vocal skill via this broader repertoire,” he said.
“We want to continue the fun of the rock choir, but this is a project only. I am not running a choir all year around.
“So many people gave such positive comments. Clearly people want to sing together and create social networks.
“This can be a continuation of this work and a chance to continue to develop vocal musicianship and technique.”
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