This year marks an impressive milestone for the Buderim Male Choir – probably the first community choir in the Sunshine Coast region to reach this golden moment.
Yes, this year marks the choir’s fiftieth anniversary and it’s celebrating with a three-part series of gala concerts.
The choir has come a long way from its modest start in 1974 when a small group of men rehearsed fortnightly in the Buderim home of the choir’s founding musical director.
It reached peak numbers of more than 40 around 2006-07. It survived the difficulties of the Covid years and is now set on maintaining the traditions established over the past 50 years.
Foremost amongst those traditions is the choir’s focus on accessibility and enjoyment. It’s a non-auditioned choir. It takes the view that anyone with a voice can sing and, if you’re having fun doing it, you’ll likely sing better. Over the years, several hundred men have participated – men from a broad cross-section of the Sunshine Coast community from all areas of the coast and hinterland.
It’s always been open to men of all ages but seniors have always comprised the bulk of choir numbers. Up till about twelve months ago, the choir maintained a tradition of Monday evening rehearsals so as not to exclude students or men working nine to five. Choir President Allan Herring said the reality was that we were actually excluding more men because of vision issues with night-driving so we bit the bullet and moved the rehearsal timeslot to Monday afternoons. It’s been a good move, he said.
While there’s always been a learning focus, a focus on singing four-part harmony well, the choir has always put emphasis on providing a friendly and supportive environment for men who enjoy singing with other men. It’s always seemed like a good idea and, in more recent times, there’s been increased recognition of the consequential physical and mental health benefits.
Recognising a commonality of values and aims with the Men’s Shed movement, the choir has been trialling an association with the Buderim Men’s Shed.
Under the trial arrangements, the choir rehearses at the Buderim Shed and welcomes Shed men as choir members if they’re interested. Several have taken up the opportunity and are now an integral part of the choir.
The celebratory anniversary concerts will feature selections from various choir performances from past years and, in line with past practice, will feature guest artists.
Concert details are – Landsborough School of Arts on 14 September, St Peter’s Church (Coolum) on 29 September and the Buderim War Memorial Hall on 13 October. All concerts start at 2.00pm. Entry is $20.00 at the door, or phone 0478 589 517 to reserve seats.
