The night is young, the wine is flowing and drifting out from the main stage of the Coonawarra Soldiers Memorial Hall is the sound of 12 singers belting out the classic Let’s Put the Rooster in the Stew.
“We’re pretty rough and ready – definitely one of a kind,” Coonawarra Community Choir Leader and Joanna resident Anne Woodard said with a laugh.
Raising the rafters of the old hall every third Friday night, Coonawarra’s version of a ‘pub choir’
brings together a colourful crew from around the district and beyond. There are no egos on show here.
Self-professed ‘shower soloists’ share the stage with professionals of 25 years of experience, such as Music Director Rod Ennis, who has arranged for Australian artists Pete Murray and Guy Sebastian.
As many members have lives and careers wrapped up in Coonawarra’s famous wine industry, practice frequently kicks off with a glass or two of locally sourced Dutch courage … but just a touch.
As Ms Woodard explains wryly, “we do not want you at Jimmy Barnes level.”
Choir Coordinator Maria Weinberg said anywhere from six to 26 singers could show up for practice and there’s an open-door policy for newcomers,.
“What I really like about the choir is people say, ‘I feel really good after it’, so if you have got someone visiting, bring them along,” she said.
Back in 2015, a friendly relaxed singing group was the concept floated by Ms Weinberg, as she chatted with her regular crew of ladies over a casual wine at a local vineyard.
“We’re the tennis ladies who do not play tennis anymore and all of our kids went to school together,” she said.
“I thought would not it be great to get a community choir together?”
A local resident had died by suicide, prompting much soul searching throughout the tight knit community about how such a tragedy could have been prevented.
The loss of a neighbour and friend was the catalyst to move the idea into action.
“It was the impetus for me to think – where else can people gather and connect?” Ms Weinberg said.
“Especially for new people, who do not have kids at school or do not play sport. I felt there was space there for a welcoming group – an avenue for people to experience joy.
“Discovering and signing up the vivacious Ms Woodard, who trained with the Southern Heritage Singers under the late Pamela Walker OAM, to lead the choir in regular practices was the final cherry on top.”
There’s ‘no rules and no pressure’ at practice, but always a lot of laughter. “It just makes you feel good,” choir member Rosemary Cornish said simply.
“There’s such a good sense of community and friendship, plus we’re helping the club, and the club is helping us.”
Taking the stage there’s an extra air of confidence about the group, as they debut smart new branded shirts, courtesy of a 2023 Stand Like Stone Foundation (SLSF) grant.
“I say, are not these dashing? We look like a real group now!” one member announced proudly. Watching on from the audience is former SLSF Director Rhett McDonald, who has been part of
the foundation’s Penola Coonawarra Wellbeing Sub-Fund committee for 10 years.
Mr McDonald and the committee were touched by the choir’s application for funding, simply titled ‘Singing for our Supper’.
“Reading their application was like a little novel, it was full of heart, warmth and spirit,” Mr McDonald said.
“What gets you enthusiastic is when you come across a grant that is classic grass roots and wants minimal money for something that appears small but has a big impact.”
The committee, whose job it is to advise the board on grant applications, were unanimous in their decision to award funding.
“The choir is the very definition of the foundation’s vision, which is to strengthen communities,” Mr McDonald said.
Awarded $4000 in funding, the group was able to buy much needed song books, a music stand and sheet music, hire a vocal coach, and get a logo designed for new uniforms.
Now, the choir has joined a list of many successful groups and individuals in the Penola Coonawarra region to benefit from local funds.
The foundation’s first major funding push into the region was prompted by a serious weather
event in 2010, that generated national news headlines.
Ripping through the town overnight, a small tornado caused millions of dollars in damage to buildings and infrastructure in the small community of just 1300 people.
Recognising that responsive and flexible support was direly needed, a Tornado Appeal was created by the foundation, quickly generating $14,000 in rapid relief funding.
Mr McDonald said it was a ‘beautiful and much-needed step’ into the community by the foundation.
Since that event, funds have been steadily flowing into the region, thanks to a proactive and dedicated sub-fund group, who actively promote and fundraise for the foundation through regular film nights and pop-up fashion events.
As for the choir, it’s all about practice, practice, as a public performance looms on the horizon.
Sharing the stage with a number of far more experienced choirs for the Millicent Choral Society’s Golden Jubilee Concert in October, the choir is practising a four-song repertoire, featuring Elton John’s Do not Go Breaking my Heart and Simon & Garfunkle’s Cecilia.
Towards the end of the practice, there’s a touch of anxiety about the upcoming performance, just a few weeks away.
Ever the pragmatist, Ms Woodard smiles and finds the right words of encouragement for her crew.
“It’ll all come together,” she said.
“And if it does not, we’ll just get up there and have fun.”
This story is part of Stand Like Stone Foundation’s 20 Years of Giving Back storytelling project.
