By Wendy Williamson
The Rocky Road Choir met for the last time in Healesville’s St Brigid’s Hall last Wednesday, 20 September.
Many were sad to see the demise of a choir which for nine years has provided an opportunity for people to sing together in an atmosphere of fun and friendship.
Despite this, the dozen or so in attendance still managed to muster the spirit to join together in song under the leadership of effervescent musician Leah Marlowe.
Afterwards the choristers enjoyed a shared afternoon tea and reminisced about the good times.
It was back in August 2008 that the Rocky Road Choir formed as a partnership between EACH Rivendell and Reclink Australia.
Initially it met in the supper rooms of Healesville’s Memorial Hall.
Since then, with the help of some Yarra Ranges Shire community development grant funding, the choir has met regularly on Wednesday afternoons during school terms and performed at various community venues.
No audition was required for the singers, predominantly women, but together they produced a lovely sound, as the Mail was lucky enough to hear last Wednesday.
The choir’s repertoire was extensive, ranging in musical style and tradition. From chants and rounds to songs in two and three-part harmony, the emphasis was on songs which inspire and energise, warm the heart and lift the spirit.
The choir certainly warmed lots of hearts, said choir co-ordinator Mitzi Davison.
“We have had to call it a day because numbers have been dwindling and it has become harder to get funding.
“We’re all sad that it is over, but it has had a great, positive influence on a lot of people over the last nine years. We brought a lot of joy to a lot of people.”
