Budding young songsters are invited to join in Variety Queensland’s all-inclusive choir.
Open to ages 7-17, the fortnightly Saturday choir allows kids to have fun, learn singing techniques, to feel included and make new friends. It’s open to all kids, including those living with a disability or who are sick or disadvantaged.
Started in 2019, the choir has had 10 regular attendees, most of whom are living with a physical and/or intellectual disability. Now, thanks to support by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, the choir is open for many more kids, of all abilities, to join.
The Variety Kids Choir is directed by talented singer/songwriter Luke Scott who is a multi-instrumentalist and who frequently adds his guitar-playing skills to rehearsals. Luke is able to communicate effectively with a wide variety of communication tools such as Auslan and Key Word Signing to ensure kids of all abilities are able to take part.
“We’re thrilled more kids will now be able to join our inclusive, all-abilities Variety Kids Choir,” said Variety Queensland CEO Steve Wakerley. “Singing has so many great benefits and allows kids to feel included, grow their social skills by making new friends, improve their self-confidence and have fun through creative expression.”
The Variety Kids Choir is one of a suite of programs delivered to ensure kids who are sick, disadvantaged or living with a disability do not miss out on what they need to join in with everyone else. Other new programs include Activate Inclusion Sports Days and sports camps, plus Variety Bikes for Kids where bicycles are given to kids in need throughout Queensland.
The choir is set to perform at numerous Variety Queensland functions this year and is also seeking more performance opportunities so that kids can feel the buzz of a live show. The repertoire of songs is wide, ranging from contemporary pop songs to children’s songs.
Participation in the choir is free and rehearsals run from 10am-12pm at PCYC Lang Park (Level 4, Karate Room), 40 Castlemaine St, Milton. There’s also free undercover parking.
To join, register your details at www.variety.org.au/qld/choir or contact the Kids Support team for more information [email protected] or phone (07) 3907 9300.
