The power of song. It’s a bond. It brings people together. It shapes harmonies far beyond those created by a chorus of vocal chords. The Alchemy Street Choir is proof.
It was a big step for Ms Adams, not least because she couldn’t read or write. But with the music came confidence. The music, she says, changed her life.
“Over the years I have watched the words on the page, and watched the conductor’s mouth and I hae learned to read so much more,” she says.
“I’ve only missed about seven rehearsals since day one and that was because I was having chemo. I was too sick to come in those nights during the year I was fighting breast cancer. The choir is like a big family and we all really look forward to it every week.
“There are a mixture of abilities here and most people are really accepting.”
New choir musical director Melissa Blacksell-Hicks is blown away by Estelle’s story.
“Everyone knows about the choir but the stories behind some of the members are amazing,” she said.
Mrs Blacksell-Hicks has some very long Ipswich musical roots with her great-great grandfather belonging to The Blackstone-Ipswich Cambrian Choir, founded in 1886.
Her mother, Merilyn Hicks, won countless championships for her contralto (opera, aria and oratorio singing) including The Peter Dawson and Dame Nellie Melba trophies. These were Sydney events and caused a bit of a stir at the time as Mrs Hicks was the first Queenslander to achieve this.
Mrs Blacksell-Hicks is thrilled to be on board.
“I have participated in eisteddfods since I was three. I have always been involved in singing, playing piano and volunteering at choirs, concerts, eisteddfods and fundraisers,” she said.
“I’m loving working with this group, it’s great.
“We have 36 people on the books and we are always welcoming of more.”
You don’t have to be able to read music, or even know how to sing.
Arts and Community Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Kylie Stoneman says some of the biggest benefits may be non-music related.
“The health benefits of social inclusion and friendship are well documented,” she said.
“The Alchemy Street Choir performs at many council and non-council events. I know they are always a big hit when they sing at the nursing homes.
“This builds self-esteem and confidence and many members have made lifelong friends.”
HOW TO JOIN THE CHOIR
Choir membership is open to people aged 18 years of age and over living in Ipswich and surrounding areas who have an interest in singing and can access their own transport to and from the venue. We encourage people to attend a few rehearsals initially to see if the choir would be of interest to them.
Alchemy Street Choir members are registered as Council volunteers.
Venue: Ground floor Auditorium, Humanities Centre, 56 South Street Ipswich.
Rehearsals: Wednesdays from 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm, followed by refreshments
Cost: Free
For further information about the Alchemy Street Choir please Musical Director Melissa Blacksell on 0409 284 366 or online here.
You can see the Alchemy Street Choir perform next at the Sing for Joy concert on March 3. (left)
