Locals who love to belt out a Broadway tune or who simply enjoy singing in the shower are being called on to join Bundaberg's newest, most colourful choir.
The Bundaberg Rainbow Choir is an exciting new initiative by the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre as part of its Community Engagement Program.
Moncrieff manager Paul Dellit said the group would be an inclusive, non-auditioned LGBTQI community choir for singers aged 18 years and over, regardless of musical ability.
“The Bundaberg Rainbow Choir will sing in every style from classical to pop, Broadway to gospel, and from cultures all over the world,” he said.
“As artists, we will listen to the changing world around us and transform what we hear into music.
“We will sing to challenge perceptions of the LGBTQI community, to combat fear and hatred, encourage compassion and human connection, and to thrill with the superb quality of our voices.”
Paul said choirmaster Anthonie Meerman had been headhunted to lead the group due to his lengthy career in the music industry.
“Anthonie brings with him a wealth of musical knowledge and choral experience and has chosen some wonderfully uplifting repertoire to get us on the path to making beautiful music together,” Paul said.
The Norville State School music teacher began his career in 1992 and has fostered a love of singing in thousands of children who have participated in his school choirs and choral events.
Professionally, he has attended and participated in numerous international Choral Symposia and Choral Masterclasses, performed in local musicals and more.
Anthonie said he was looking forward to his next role with the Bundaberg Rainbow Choir.
“I hope that it will give people a sense of security through an activity that includes the LGBTQI community and straight allies as well,” he said.
“We are hoping to make it like a social place, where you can share some things, do some performances and enjoy yourself.”
Anthonie said bringing people together through the Bundaberg Rainbow Choir was also about sharing a love for music.
“You know, through my role as a music teacher I am often attending lots of choir competitions but that isn't what music and singing is about overall,” he said.
“It is about enjoying each other’s company and I have found through my work that absolutely everyone, kids and adults alike, get a real buzz when singing together.
“In fact, there has been scientific research which states that when we sing and take a breath at the same time, starting and stopping , it brings people together and that's the real beauty of it.”
The Bundaberg Rainbow Choir will kick off with a registration day for prospective members on Saturday, 6 November at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre from 10am to noon.
“Everyone is welcome to come along to register, you don't have to have the voice of Beyonce to join!” Paul said.
“The registration day will be followed by five rehearsal sessions every Monday from 8 November to 6 December, culminating in an Open Rehearsal for family and friends to attend.”
To join, a fee of $50 is required and includes copies of all music.
Find out more here.
To join, do you have to be LGBTQI