Docklands choir, a personal reflection

By Dr Yvonne Zhou-Grundy

On Wednesday June 17, the Docklands Choir held its first concert after eight weeks of rehearsal.

Thanks to Sarah Lindenmayer, our City of Melbourne neighbourhood development officer, who initiated a start-up funding from the council for us.

The purpose of setting up this choir project was to bring local residents out of their apartments to socialise and meet with each other through singing.

On the first day of choir rehearsal in April, we had more than 90 people gathered at one of the activity rooms at the Library at The Dock.

The choir attracted local residents from Yarra’s Edge, Victoria Harbour and other parts of Docklands.

We also have people from other community choirs in other parts of Melbourne. Some of them travel to Docklands from Glen Waverley and Dandenong. Since its inception in April, we have international visitors and students from Japan, South Korea and Brazil come sing with us.

Reflecting on the past eight weeks of rehearsal, it was truly a little journey of finding my voice through joy of singing, meeting new friends and engaging and catching up with neighbours in the community.

I like music in general but never had any singing experience before. I wasn’t sure what to expect at the beginning.

Nevertheless, I decided to join the choir project and see how I would go with the singing.

Our choir master and music director Shaun Islip is also the head of the Open Door Singers. His excellent skills and inclusive approach has brought out the best in us. His witty sense of humour really put new singers at ease.

Each week as the project progressed, I found it easier to sing and my confidence in my singing ability also rose.

Eight weeks have gone so quickly and I have decided to continue with the Open Door Singers Docklands for the long haul.

My experience of singing in the choir project is truly an amazing one. I would never thought I could stand up singing in the public, but I have now completed the project and attended this first choir concert and looking forward to many more to come.

I highly recommend the choir to anyone to join us at 5.45pm every Wednesday at the Docklands Hub.

Our repertoire is accessible to everyone and no audition is required.

As noted on the Open Door Singers website “All are welcome and it is open to everyone of every ability, age and background.”