Creativity Australia News

Celebrating Sing for Good 2015

January 1, 2016

You sang, you spread the word and raised your voice for people experiencing depression,anxiety, loneliness, disadvantage, unemployment or homelessness.

Together, through the magic of Sing for Good, more than $70,000 was raised for Creativity Australia’s  life changing With One Voice program.

Relive the magic of Sing for Good 2015 by watching the highlight video below.

Or (If you are feeling inspired) Register your interest for the 2016 campaign here.

You can also see the full list of 2015 Sing for Good winners here.

 

What a Wonderful Year!

December 21, 2015

Our choir season has come to a close for 2015, and what a year it has been!

 

The new choir season will commence the week beginning:

 

February 1st, 2016

 

We look forward to singing with you then.

In the meantime, keep sharing the joy of song!

 

With One Voice Footscray: Free Beatbox Workshop

October 13, 2015

Join With One Voice Footscray on Thursday 22 October for a free Beatbox Workshop. Learn the how to combine beats with singing and use your mouth as a percussion. See the details below and come along to make some beats, and have some fun at the African Australian Community Centre.

Rock the next big Aussie Anthem

October 6, 2015

Hey Australia!

You are invited to…

Star in the next big Aussie Rock Anthem, Legends of the Southern Land.

Legends of the Southern Land is new song by Aussie music legends, John ‘Wonder World’ St. Peeters, John (Swanee) Swan, Marty Rhone, Ray Burgess, Tommy Emmanuel and composed by Michael Yule. They are calling on all Australians to join them in singing this uplifting song.

Think you can’t sing? Don’t fret.

This isn’t a talent quest. We’re seeking people of all ages, cultures, faiths. Professional artists, shower singers… everyone is welcome.

It’s as easy as one, two, three.

Simply enter a video through Sing for Good singing along to the Aussie Rock Anthem. The song will be split into four sections over the month of October with mp3 and lyrics released weekly on Sing for Good. Enter one section, or as many as you like!

You can feel good and do good

We’re seeking 1,000 videos from around Australia and donations raised through Legends of the Southern Land go towards helping people in need through Sing for Good.

But wait there’s more…

Winners will star in the official Legends of the Southern Land music video and appear live on stage during the 2016 national tour.

Are you ready to rock?

Make you mark, make a difference, be the best that you can.
You’re the future of the southern land.

Enter here

A Culture of Innovation the Key to Success

September 21, 2015

by Tania de Jong AM for Spark Mag

In this era of disruption, a culture of innovation is one of the main reasons for the success of many fast growing companies.

Sometimes it feels like the queue of emails, piles of papers and ‘to do’ lists and not to mention a private life are overwhelming. Who has time for creativity or innovation? It’ll just mean more work and more pressure.

Yet creativity is probably just what business needs – a chance for that unique, creative voice to shine, to re-energise, re-invent and re-imagine or create the future.

Read more.

Dr Charlie Teo sings for good

August 20, 2015

Leading neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo has shared his secret for surviving the rigours, challenges and tragedies he and his team see on a daily basis – Singing!

Dr Teo and his team have entered an inspirational and creative rendition of the Gloria Gaynor hit “I will survive” into the national singing project Sing for Good as a tribute to their patients suffering from brain cancer.

Sing for Good was set up by Creativity Australia to raise awareness of the power of singing to improve mental health, wellbeing and connect communities. It is also a fundraiser for disadvantaged people in the With One Voice social inclusion program that is changing the lives of people all across Australia.

Dr Teo is known world-wide for his skill, but even he admits that “surgery for brain cancer is high risk and physically and emotionally taxing. The management of those with brain cancer is so stressful one could be excused for seeing only the negative side of life … Singing together during and after a hard day in the operating theatre has helped me and my team overcome many of the tragedies that we see on a daily basis and we encourage everyone to do the same”.

“Unfortunately brain cancer kills more children and young adults than any other cancer. It is also the least funded and has the greatest socio-economic impact on society” explains Dr Teo, “but fortunately, this terrible disease often brings out the best in people. Patients demonstrate amazing courage, loved-ones rally to their sides, doctors and nurses bond together as a committed and unified team and life acquires new meaning”.

Creativity Australia founder Tania de Jong AM says “It’s inspirational and life-affirming to see Charlie’s entry! Neuroscience proves singing makes us happier, healthier, smarter and more creative, and that’s why Sing for Good is so important.” Watch Tania’s TED Talk “how singing together changes the brain”.

The goal for Sing for Good, explains de Jong, “is to get every community in Australia participating and to raise money for not only the With One Voice program, but also many other charities and creative arts-health programs.”

“The best part about Sing for Good is that everyone can participate and support their charities. While fun runs and moustaches are great, this is a fundraiser that gives people who don’t want to run or can’t grow a mo, the chance to support charities and improve their own wellbeing too”.

“Sing for Good is easy and everyone can do it. Families, workplaces, schools, sports teams, choirs… Real courage is needed to sing in public; likewise it is courage that is needed to overcome adversity, illness and disadvantage”, says de Jong.

Sing for Good started on 1 August and runs through until 31 October. Visit www.singforgood.org for more information and to start singing.

 

Watch Dr Teo and the Brain Cancer Warriors video and support the cause at www.singforgood.org/campaigns/brain-cancer-warriors-i-will-survive/

Sing in the shower: Tania de Jong’s tips to be more creative in business

August 12, 2015

Tania de Jong’s goal is to get the nation singing.

A leading soprano herself, de Jong says singing changes the brain and encourages creativity. She has even given a TED talk on that topic. (See video below.)

De Jong is also a social entrepreneur and her latest project, Sing for Good, is seeking to raise much-needed funds to support disadvantaged Australians.

“We want to be the next Movember, but instead of moustaches, it’s about singing together,” she says.

“The goal is to get everyone singing … we also want to remove the stigma of singing.”

Sing for Good is part of Creativity Australia, one of de Jong’s two charities, alongside The Song Room, an education program for Australian children that won her the Ernst & Young award for Australian Social Entrepreneur of the Year in 2006.

De Jong is also the founder of leadership and innovation organisation Creative Universe, Creative Innovation Global conferences, opera group Pot-Pourri and MTA Entertainment & Events.

Speaking to SmartCompany ahead of a keynote address last week at Creative Fuel, part of the Association for Data-driven Marketing and Advertising’s Global Forum, de Jong says her passion is fostering creativity and innovation.

To continue reading click here

Do good. Feel good. Sing for Good is now open!

August 7, 2015

Please help us get communities singing in every postcode of Australia!

Our inspirational community singing project Sing for Good has just opened and we’ve already received amazing video entries from office workers, flash mobbers, OzHarvest, Cambodia, a yoga class and more! Check out the gallery

About Sing for Good
Sing for Good aims to get communities singing for joy in every postcode of Australia and beyond. Families, workplaces, schools, sports teams… everyone is welcome.

1. sing with a group (two or more)
2. enter your video
3. vote, donate + celebrate

There are heaps of categories, plus cash prizes for schools. Winners are announced at our huge With One BIG Voice concert at Melbourne Town Hall (3pm Sunday 8 November). Book tickets.

Donations raised help people in need through Creativity Australia’s With One Voice program.

How to help:

• vote, share, comment and donate to support your favourites
• submit video(s) (as many as you like) and challenge friends
• spread the word (connect Facebook and Twitter; or see the attached Guide to Sharing Sing for Good)

 With One Voice welcomes people aged 9 to 90, from all cultures and backgrounds. Through the Wish List, diverse people grant each other wishes like music lessons, language tuition and jobs. Swinburne University research showed 98% of With One Voice choir participants experienced less stress, 91% improved social bonds and 66% feel less depressed. The program has also been named in Anthill’s SMART 100 social innovations in 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Do good. Feel good. Register now at www.singforgood.org

Why can’t we all just sing-along?

June 10, 2015

Favourite songs from a closet karaoke king.

Run out of song ideas for your shower, choir or Sing for Good entry? Fear not! Here are a few great tunesI love that sound amazing when sung with a group. Some are well known. Some are outside-of-the-box. All of them are amazing! Are you game to try them?

• Bohemian Rhapsody
  Queen
  Queen’s epic song is a masterclass in lyrics, dynamics and pitch. It also sounds awesome when sung by a large group. Considered one of the greatest songs of all time, the three verses mark different states of mind and allow for huge vocal range. The song starts slowly with an a cappella intro before building to its explosive and defiant ending. Instantly recognisable and endlessly fun.

• California Dreaming
  The Mamas and the Papas
  This song is a perfect for a choir because of its distinct harmonies and repeated lyrics. When sung together it sounds amazing. Simple lyrics make it easy for everyone to remember and learn quickly, while also painting a vivid picture of a sun-loving Californian feeling the cold in the autumn streets of New York.

• Stairway To Heaven
  Led Zeppelin
  This is one of the greatest songs to ever be written thanks to its beautiful musical composition and amazing lyrics. Stairway To Heaven is another one that starts off slowly and gradually builds to an epic climax. Each verse is sung at a different tempo as it builds to its final conclusion. The song’s lyrics are cryptic and rich allowing for endless interpretations.

• Dreams
  The Cranberries
  This is a slightly more modern rock song with wonderful harmonies. The song is about dreaming of falling in love and involves some pretty challenging harmonies in between verses. Nonetheless, when performed correctly it can be both beautiful and rousing.

• Build Me Up Buttercup
  The Foundations
  Time for some fun! Fans of There’s Something About Mary will remember this song from the end credits. The song can be divided up between groups nicely with repeated lyrics. Unlike some of the others on the list, it’s a little less serious and a good one when you’re feeling the mood to just let it all out!

• Thunderstruck
  AC/DC
  Not a song traditionally sung by a choir, but that’s what makes Thunderstruck so much fun. While the harmonies may not be as polished as some of the other bands and musicians on this list, there is no doubting the intensity of the song.  Get into your old school uniform (if you should have it) and unleash your inner Aussie rock god!

• Kiss From A Rose
  Seal
  The song begins with wonderful harmonies and then the familiar lyrics: “There used to be a greying tower alone by the sea”.  Despite what many people think, this song isn’t about Seal’s love for Heidi Klum, as it was released long before the two became a couple. Regardless, it’s a powerful and rich song!

• Rolling In The Deep
  Adele
  Disclaimer: Must be sung with energy! This song has been performed by many choirs, and for good reason. It’s an incredible song sung with and about power and strength. When performed by a choir it’s hard not to feel yourself rallying behind Adele as its lyrical power is fully realised.  Its catchy lyrics and infectious rhythm will be enough to win over even the toughest crowd.

• Africa
  Toto
  This one perfectly lends itself to a choir thanks to the change of pitch between the verses (sung in a lower pitch) and the chorus (higher pitch). You may want to check out and try the amazing rendition of Africa by Perpetuum Jazzile. This Slovenian choir managed to notch up 17 million views on YouTube!  Have a look and listen here to see if you’re up for the challenge!!

Are there any I missed? Post your suggestions!

Marg and daughter unite With One Voice

May 26, 2015

For resident Marg Walker, the With One Voice Altona Meadows community choir at Benetas St George’s is more than just an opportunity to sing along to her favourite tunes.

Read more in this great article from DPS News.

It’s never too late: raise your voice, lift your heart

May 25, 2015

Adrift after the loss of her great love, Angela Quigley re-discovered joy and a new community at With One Voice Brisbane.

Read more in this lovely Reader’s Digest article by Hazel Flynn.

Nerves On A Choir: My First Rehearsal

May 14, 2015

My first choir experience  

I had no idea what to expect heading into the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins for my first With One Voice choir. I had just landed a gig as an intern for Creativity Australia and assumed I’d be there in an ‘observational’ capacity. That assumption proved to be incorrect. I’d never sung in a choir before, let alone publicly, and was nervous about to be doing so.

As I stood awkwardly wondering what I had got myself into it was suggested I go and join the “boys”. The boys, or the bass section, consisted of six men all much older than me, yet some were years apart from one and other.  Summing up the situation I attempted to sneak into the back row unnoticed, but this close knit gang of basses weren’t about to just let anyone in. A tall older man turned and looked at me. He offered me his hand and joyfully asked “do you sing often?” “No, not really,” I said. He smiled before saying, “You have a voice. That’s a start”. (more…)