Music passion

Warrnambool Standard 18th Oct. 2001 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard  2001 All rights reserved

 In ancient times, the red tent was a sanctuary for women — a place to share wisdom, stories and song. It might not sound as pleasant, but the red tent was also a place where women were sent during childbirth and ‘that time of the month’. It is the sharing, sisterly spirit concept which inspired the name of Warrnambool’s all-female choir — The Red Tent Singers — who have been busily performing all over town since forming earlier this year. The group comprises about 30 women of all ages, each with a passion for singing. In recent months the choir has dazzled audiences at various community events including Mental Health Week, Blue Stocking Week and a 3WAY FM fundraiser. Spokeswoman Lyn Eales said the singers work as a democratic group, where the members decide which gigs they will do and what songs they will play. “We’ve got a lot of performances on the books and we’re thrilled that we’ve been contacted by various community groups to perform,” Eales said. She added the group played an im-portant role in the community, inspiring others to join through the choir’s enthusiasm and the sheer enjoyment the members derive from the experience. Eales said the singers are always open to new members and are con-stantly looking for ways to improve themselves by attending workshops, such as a recent singing session and concert the group went to in Macarthur. “We’re here to enjoy ourselves (but we’re also) attempting to work on our confidence and delivery. One of our goals is to be in a financial situation where we can bring down people from Melbourne and interstate to run workshops. We’re constantly learning. “You don’t have to be able to read music. We’re literally just people who like to sing. It’s very fun-filled — there’s a lot of laughter,” she said. One Red Tent singer described performing with the group as uplifting. “When I start singing my heart lifts, my body relaxes, I breathe more deeply and more slowly (and) I feel a grin creeping on to my face. (It’s) better than drugs really,” the singer said. Upcoming gigs for the choir include performances in conjunction with Re-claim The Night on October 26 and the 3WAY Mona Awards on October 27. The Red Tent Singers cover everything from African lullabyes to gospel music, accompanied by only a drum to keep time. The group meets at the band hall on Kepler Street every Thursday from 5.30pm-7.30pm.