‘If you can talk, you can sing.’
I have been singing all of my life.
I clearly remember my father singing to me from my earliest years. He had an extensive repertoire of old English songs, including an encyclopaedic memory of every Gilbert and Sullivan musical. At secondary school I was in the choir. At university I joined the choral society and even today I still sing with some of those same friends.
Every culture in the world has a vocal tradition. It is one of the wonderful avenues of expression which cannot be taken away. We see this again and again in times of oppression. There is an argument that much of our Western popular music is built on musical traditions evolved from the slaves in New Orleans at the beginning of the 20th century.
Singing is such a vital key to understanding music. The shape and nuance of a musical phrase comes naturally to the singer. It is easier to feel the rise and fall of a melody when it is sung. Modern Australia has lost a lot of the social singing culture that is still a part of many of the less-urbanised societies. We are often inhibited about singing, and have little shared repertoire of songs. I doubt that many families sitting around the campsite would have many songs to share.
We do sing at Carey. Singing is a part of our chapels, assemblies and many music classes. We have many wonderful opportunities for further involvement in choirs. Under the leadership of Alicia Bendall, our vocal and choral program is strong. I was delighted to enjoy some wonderful solo performances at the recent recital night. The two Middle School choirs are making terrific progress, with both playing a significant role in the Easter Service. We are working towards the Carey Choral Concert to be held on 7 June. We are also very excited to be launching into our Middle School Musical, Strictly Ballroom, with rehearsals in the second week of the holidays.
Orpheus Choir is open to all Middle School students, and always welcomes new members. Contact Alicia Bendall for further information.
Martin Arnold
Head of Music
