HARMONISING as one, the recently established Let’s All Sing Together (LAST) Choir has added a unique dimension to the Blue Lake city’s music sector.
Combating loneliness and isolation, musical director Gavin Clarke said the group’s main focus is to provide an inclusive musical and artistic outlet for everyone.
“Regardless of musical experience or financial and social circumstance, we want everyone involved,” he said.
“Too many times I hear people say they can not sing, when the real story is they have not had someone take the time to show them how to sing.
“I am going to break down the process and make singing simple and with over 50 people singing beside you there will be no chance to feel self conscious.”
With almost four decades experience in the music industry, Mr Clarke has trekked the country working with several of Australia’s leading professional performers.
Mr Clarke said being involved in the Tutti Arts Ensemble in Adelaide was his most-rewarding experience by far.
“The whole aim of its ensemble is to engage professional artists and create meaningful work with people living with a disability,” he said.
“Key to the Tutti Ensemble is the truly-inspiring Tutti Choir, which brings people of all abilities and backgrounds together to sing, under the keen direction of their inspirational founder Pat Rix.
“The choir has become a pivotal figure in Adelaide’s cultural scene and is fondly supported by many of the state’s leading artists.”
Mr Clarke said he used the Tutti model as inspiration when forming the community choir.
“I will team, up with local support organisations to connect with people living with a disability or suffering hardship, but just as importantly we will also reach out to the wider community to people living in isolation or at risk of loneliness.
“Scientific evidence shows that singing with others does wonderful things for our sense of wellbeing and mental health and I have personally experienced this.
“Each rehearsal will be followed by a supper for people to socialise and a short gathering where participants can share news and make requests of the group.”
Mr Clarke said everyone he spoke to was “on-board” with the idea immediately.
“We went with Limestone Coast Pantry as our headquarters just because it was the best space in terms of accessibility and great community vibes,” he said.
“We are operating under the arms of the already-existing Mayfair Singers who have the infrastructure to allow us to exist without having to apply for licenses which is super convenient.
“The idea is to provide free access to the community but also work with professional artists to achieve the greatest outcome for our participants while creating ongoing employment opportunities.”
Mr Clarke said although there were many choirs around the Limestone Coast, none were as big as the LAST Choir.
“This will be a choir with a lot of soul and spirit,” he said.
“The sound may not be as refined as other choirs but there is just some many unique voices so we just get a different tone.
“We intend to be out wherever there is a community event where we can sing.”
Mr Clarke said it was not too late to join the group.
“In fact it is the perfect time to join in with our debut performance at Fringe Mount Gambier coming up,” he said.
“We have three more weeks till the cracker performance with rehearsals Monday nights from 6pm at at The Limestone Coast Pantry on Harrald Street.”
“It is free and everybody is welcome to come along.”
The group is also trialing a day choir at Resthaven Mount Gambier.
