I am delighted to introduce you to Petrichor Play Choir, a new community choir bringing music from all over the world to Newcastle and Maitland. Mostly a capella, but featuring tasteful accompaniment from time to time, Petrichor has a strong focus on empowering folks with the tools and mindset of practical music making. We are all ages, all genders and all abilities.
No musical experience is needed. We will learn everything on the way.
What can I expect from each rehearsal?
The repertoire will include heartfelt and funky part-singing songs from all over the world – some borrowed arrangements, some new, and maybe an original song every now and then. Amongst warm ups, music games, singing experiments and songs are woven bite-sized lessons in the fundamentals of music, like vocal technique, rhythm and groove, pitching and harmony, and much more. It’s a great opportunity to learn the materials of music in a super practical way. All of the music is taught by ear, little by little at a pace everyone can keep up with. It is a friendly and non-judgemental environment, where everyone does their bit to learn their parts and sing them in harmony with the collective sound.
Make an authentic connection
Petrichor is a great place to make lifelong friends with like-minded people from all walks of life. At each rehearsal there is time to socialise, but if you’re after deeper connection you might consider coming to our potluck dinners. These happen at 6pm the hour before the first sing of every month. NB: this applies only to Newcastle for the time being, but a Maitland potluck is not far away. Community choir singing is very much a case of the more the merrier, so please bring along your friends and family. It is also a beautiful environment to get to know and honour yourself more deeply. Often we become estranged from our creative side, and our unique human voices. It can be challenging, but it is a beautiful journey to take alongside others who are doing the same.
What is expected of me?
There is no pressure to commit to regular attendance – join or drop out as you please. That said, you will find the most joy and growth by singing once a week and developing a habit of singing throughout your daily life. Sometimes we will perform at community events, but this is optional, and there will be a lot of preparation in the few weeks leading up to these performances if you’re interested in joining in.
Cost: $20 per session payable by cash or bank transfer. Pay what you can is welcomed.
Refreshments will be available at intermission by donation from singers. Please bring along some tea, biscuits or something else to share if you feel the call.
NEWCASTLE
Every Monday 7 – 9pm at Scots Kirk Hall
21 Murray St, Hamilton NSW 2303
MAITLAND (from 22nd October)
Every 2nd Tuesday 7 – 9pm at Bruce Street Community Hall
22 Bruce St, East Maitland NSW 2323
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If you have any questions, please reach out via the contact form.
Musical Director
Musical director Christopher Sutherland is a composer, performer, and choir leader with a wide range of experience in many styles of music. He creates ethereal folk and electronic music as Abhaya Sky, performs fully improvised “sound dreamings” with cello / flute / guitar trio Hidden Strings, and has performed hundreds of times throughout Australia and Europe with cult-choral darlings The Spooky Men’s Chorale. Chris understands music as a lost birthright of all human beings and aims to empower others to connect with their creative voice.
Assistant MD
Naomi Dart is a cellist, composer and teacher with a gift for conveying a stunning depth of emotion through her music. She is an adept improviser, fluent in many styles. Her performances and teaching demonstrate a rich understanding of the language of music and an embodiment of its power as a transformational vehicle of healing and celebration. Naomi assists in leading Petrichor from time to time.