Chorus comfortable place to learn, sing

By Christy Marsters

The Hants Journal/NovaNewsNow.com

The Hantsport-based Carefree Community Chorus provides a comfortable place for people to gather together and simply learn to sing. The group encourages new members.

Lorraine McQueen said she first started forming this group about four years ago because she loved to sing but didn’t see a right opportunity in Hantsport for her to learn to do so.

Susan Dworkin, a professional voice teacher, agreed to volunteer and help form, develop and lead this group, McQueen said. “Susan is dedicated to proving that anyone can sing.”

The chorus meets at the Anglican Church in Hantsport at 7 p.m. Mondays for an hour and a half each evening. The cost to join in on a session is a toonie.

The group is not about auditions, uniforms and rigid structures, but about people coming together for friendship, fun and a chance to sharpen up on vocal skills, McQueen added. “We wish more people would come out and sing with us … We really have a lot of fun.”

Susan Dworkin said anyone who wants to join wouldn’t be turned away, and therefore, no one should feel intimidated by a lack of ability. “Just show up. I’ll teach you to sing.”

The course is an enriching experience, Dworkin said. “This is about camaraderie and has up lifted many people’s spirits. It has unexpected benefits and has changed peoples lives.”

In the first two years, the group did struggle to find a direction, but since, the course has become more buoyant and confident, Dworkin said. “This (group) was a labour of love.”

For those who have joined, singing has become addictive, and often proves people are more capable than imagined, Dworkin said. “Singing develops all aspects of a person.”

Anyone interested in joining the Carefree Community Chorus or looking to schedule this group to sing at an event can contact Lorraine McQueen at 684-3166 or by e-mailing her at lorrainemcqueen@eastlink.ca. The group has already preformed for numerous events.