By Renee Wood
The new year always brings inspiration to try out a hobby or interest you’ve always thought about, and perhaps for some that may be singing.
Singing has many benefits including relieving stress, improving memory, building confidence and enhancing lung function.
These are all benefits that singing teacher Jennifer Legg has witnessed in her decades working in the industry, as well as being the singing teacher at Badger Creek Primary School for the past 17 years.
But it’s not just at the school singing is embraced, Ms Legg’s also the founder of the Badger Creek Women’s Choir.
The group started in 2014 with interest from local school families but has since grown to include many women from the wider area.
You may have recently enjoyed their performance at the Healesville Carols, or other local events such as the yearly ANZAC Day commemorations.
Ms Legg said it’s been a really great experience for herself and members past and present.
“We’ve forged some good friendships and connections and we have some social events.”
The group rehearses weekly and endeavours to perform throughout the year at community events and other arranged appearances.
This year the choir will be looking to have more public concerts and has plans to attend local aged care facilities to bring joy to residents.
Singers enjoy the social aspect of being part of the group but there are also mental and physical benefits to singing that are absorbed.
“The concentration, the breathing regulation… and I get a lot of feedback about how people feel really good after they’ve been to the choir rehearsal, which was just so nice to hear.”
For some time rehearsals have been held at the school but now the council has allowed the group to hold their rehearsals at the Healesville Memorial Hall.
Ms Legg said this is a very exciting move that will give singers a great singing experience.
“We’re just wrapped, it’s a beautiful venue to practice in… the sound is fantastic so it gives a lot more back to us with singers being in a space that sounds so good.
“I think it’s going to be quite transformative for us actually having that accessible, lovely, luxurious space.”
If you’re interested in joining the group, anyone is welcome to attend the Wednesday night rehearsals.
It’s an inclusive and mixed ability choir with no singing background needed.
Ms Legg is able to help new students and arranges the performances to suit all abilities. People with instruments and those open to solos can also be accommodated.
“Because of my teaching background, I arrange all the music for the choir myself.
“I make sure the range is aimed at the skill level of the women I’ve got involved in the choir so I try to keep it on the edge of being challenging enough to keep people interested but also really doable for people.”
Rehearsals start for the year at the Memorial Hall from Wednesday night 1 February from 7pm – 8pm.
Contact badgercreekwomenschoir@gmail.com for more information.
