By Afraa Kori
Outlook’s All Together Choir recently held their annual friends and family concert to celebrate their 10 year anniversary on November 14.
The attendees were treated to a fantastic performance led by choir director Kerry Gerarty, followed by a luncheon held at Outlook Community Centre in Pakenham.
None of this would be possible without the support of volunteers, community organizations and musicians who played a key role leading up to the 10 year anniversary.
Former deputy CEO and chief operations manager of Outlook, Anne McCormick said Outlook’s purpose was then and still today is to contribute to building a fully inclusive community.
“Forming a choir as part of Outlook’s Community Centre provided the opportunity for everyone to participate, to build confidence, skills, self-esteem, social cohesion and raise awareness on the importance of community inclusion,” she said.
“Personally I have attended many of the wonderful amazing concerts but what I have loved the most is walking past those doors to see them all smiling, laughing and enjoying the experience of music and singing together. They are truly an inclusive, welcoming choir, 10 years on, congratulations.”
The concept of forming a choir was initiated by Outlook’s board member Brian Paynter and supported by the board of management.
“Brian introduced us to Jonathon Welch AM. Jonathan was inspired by a Canadian choir for disadvantaged people and formed the Sydney Street Choir in 2002. Then he moved to Melbourne and started the Choir of Hard Knocks with homeless people which was a success. We approached Jonathon to see if he could help us. Jonathon had formed the School of Hard Knocks and the Outlook Board engaged him as the director of our choir,” Ms Anne said.
The ‘All Together Choir’ commenced in September 2014, the same year the building was born.
They became one of many choirs in Melbourne directed by Jonathon and were blessed with many opportunities to perform in Melbourne and locally.
The choir gathered in a large concert at Melbourne Town Hall, with over 400 voices on stage. They also sang at different local events including local retirement villages, carols by candlelight, Outlooks annual general meeting (AGM), Mother’s Day, Christmas events, the opening of the new Cardina shire building in officer. As well as events at Cardinia Life, Social Inclusion Day and council’s ‘Together We Can Day.’ A state government department (the department of human services) also invited the choir to come and sing to their staff.
Outlook’s choir member Janine Davis said it’s not just about singing but finding purpose, joy and belonging.
“I retired and I was looking for activities, so that’s when I started the choir. To find a choir that included everybody was the highlight for me. Every person is important and our performance at the anniversary proves it. Kerry (choir director) really nailed it with the choice of songs being uplifting and especially the lyrics to say that everybody was included. When you go home after choir, everybody walks out together singing happier than when they came in.”
“When you come to the Outlook Centre, you’re also made aware of so many other community activities. Before choir there is pilate so I thought, if I’m coming for choir, I should come to pilate. Then someone else says, ‘how about trying the ukulele group, so you move from one group to the next. It’s exposing you to so many people and different activities and because of the attitude of Outlook, you’re not afraid to try things. It’s this open attitude and acceptance of everybody, so I think that’s what makes people really try the different activities and feel connected.”
“Because there’s a gap between pilates and choir, you go into the lounge and anybody just sits down and starts chatting and connecting. I’ve made so many friendships here that’s also important.”
The ‘All Together Choir’ choir director Kerry Gerarty welcomes new members to be part of the dynamic and inclusive choir community.
“It’s all about enjoyment and having a go. I try to choose music that reflects our group’s diversity and fun. As you can see from our membership, everyone is welcome. For me the highlight is watching people grow in confidence. They might come here at first feeling unsure if they fit in the group and then they are just welcome with open arms. It’s really lovely seeing the bonds that come with singing together because it’s good for you.“
If you would like to join Outlook’s choir, or want more information, please visit outlookaust.org.au/about/our-people/
