Lisa Dennis
Castlemaine Pride Choir is inviting new members to join the friendly and inclusive local group.
And the best news is that you don’t have to be a standout singer to join!
All you need is enthusiasm and a commitment to learn their varied repertoire and work on your musical ability.
The local LGBTIQ+ choir was formed in early 2021 and is ably led by musical director Scott Buchanan who couldn’t be better positioned to get the best from choir members, having spent more than 35 years teaching singing at schools and performing professionally.
Scott said they had a few big gigs coming up and they would love to have a full complement of singers to really round out their choir sound.
“We have a core group of about 25 members but we would love to boost that up to 30 or 40,” Scott said.
“We are a genuine community choir. Keen singers aged 18 to 70 plus are welcome to reach out and find out more about what’s involved. Our oldest member is 73!
“We are not an auditioned choir so there is no pressure!”
The group sings a wide array of songs from theatre and films to some of Scott’s very own original compilations.
“I’ve composed a number of songs, which really tie in with the messages we are trying to convey. Some are serious and others have a really upbeat dance feel. There is something for everyone,” he said.
Scott said it was incredibly rewarding to see a singer develop and shine with the right instruction and encouragement.
“Our group meets one night a week at the Winters Flat Primary School Castlemaine during school terms,” he said.
The group is thrilled to be performing at We Are Heard at the Darebin Arts Centre on October 22 in partnership with Kyneton Rainbow Voices and ShOUT Youth Chorus and the Rainbow Band.
They will also be leading the Rotary Carols by Candlelight in Victory Park along with the Thompson Foundry Band, and of course performing at local pride event ‘Picnic in the Park’ in Castlemaine’s Botanical Gardens in April 2023.
“We’d love to welcome some more singers along for the journey. It’s a lot of fun,” Scott said.
Joining the choir is free and sheet music is provided. To find out more email Scott at imscottb62@icloud.com
