Find your voice

Find your voice

If you’re looking for an opportunity to meet new people, get out of the house and stretch your vocal chords than Open Door Singers Docklands might be just what you’re looking for.

The local choir celebrates its first birthday this month and is looking for new members to join in the fun.

According to Open Door Singers director and conductor Shaun Islip, the benefits of singing in a choir have been well researched.

He said a recent study of people who sang alone, sung in choirs or played team sports found that choristers experienced the greatest benefits by far.

“Earlier studies have found that choral singing can benefit people suffering from depression, lung disease, high blood pressure and Parkinson’s. One study even found that choral singers unconsciously synchronise their heart beats with other choir members,” Mr Islip said.

Mr Islip said the choir was a great way to build and encourage community in Docklands.

“At Open Door Singers there’s no auditions and there’s no need to feel like you don’t have a good enough voice,” he said.

“What have you got to lose? Come and give it ago and experience the joy of it.”

And while it’s one of the smallest Open Door Singers choirs, with about 30 members, (there are other choirs in Canterbury and Eltham), Mr Islip said it was the most in demand.

He said the Docklands choir had been invited to sing at a range of events and venues since it formed last year and welcomed further opportunities.

If you’re interested in joining the choir it meets every Wednesday from 5.30pm at The Hub on Harbour Esplanade.

Mr Islip encouraged residents and local workers to come along to the next choir rehearsal to find out for themselves just how enjoyable being part of a choir is.

“We’d love some local workers to join us,” Mr Islip said. “Our 5.30pm rehearsal time means people can easily come straight from work and then still have rest of the evening to themselves.”

Open Door Singers charges a $7 door fee each week and a $75 annual membership to cover its overheads.

Visit http://www.opendoorsingers.org.au for more information.

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