Creative programs that transform lives
Round SIX of the With One Voice Start-up grant applications is now open
With One Voice Start-up Grants on offer – up to $10K available!
Current Round Applications close 1st June, 2018
The With One Voice choirs are about strengthening communities and inspiring individuals to find their voice. We believe empowered individuals and supportive communities are better placed to solve society’s big challenges including cross-cultural integration, unemployment, mental illness, productivity, skills shortages, loneliness and isolation, family fragmentation, homelessness and more. Creativity Australia is offering a limited number of seed funding grants to make it easier for communities to start their own choir.
“It’s not hard to be part of the solution to the loneliness epidemic,” says Creativity Australia Founder, Tania de Jong AM, “it’s just about finding ways to bring the community together to support one another.”
It is an opportunity to create connections and friendships between diverse people in our community. It is about reaching out to those who are experiencing disadvantage and encouraging the socially advantaged in our community to engage with, learn from and help these people. Learn more about the members we have helped here – member stories.
Round four of the With One Voice Start Up fund is now open to local community groups, not-for-profits and businesses to tackle loneliness, isolation and disadvantage in their community. Successful applicants join a 12-month intensive mentoring program to guide them through the process of building their own With One Voice choir and a $10k Start-up Grant.
Founder & CEO of Centre for Hope, Geraldine Moran, the first successful applicant from Round One, says “With One Voice perfectly encapsulates the unity we want to create for our community. Mentoring is such a powerful tool, and through the With One Voice mentoring program we are learning quickly, safely and in a supported manner.”
For more information and to apply for a place in the With One Voice Start-up project, visit www.creativityaustralia.org.au/start.
Sing in the shower: Tania de Jong’s tips to be more creative in business
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
Why can’t we all just sing-along?
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
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
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.
Give Happy, Live Happy: Volunteer Week
Volunteer Week 2015
It’s National Volunteer Week and Creativity Australia’s With One Voice family wants to say a big thank you to our 100 volunteers who support and contribute to the community every week.
Without their ongoing support, the With One Voice choirs wouldn’t be able to operate as successfully as it does and for that, we are truly grateful.
Together, our volunteers and other wonderful team members are helping change the world… one voice at a time. Creativity Australia’s aim is to bridge the gap between people experiencing disadvantage and those more fortunate through the neuro-scientific benefits of community singing, choirs and singing projects. We build supportive networks that help people connect to brighter futures.
Coinciding with Volunteering Australia’s motto this year, our team members share the same value: Give Happy, Live Happy.
