Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Latrobe Local News:
Local Choir Creates Connection and Celebration across Latrobe Valley

Inventive virtual choir promoting social connection and fun through music in the Latrobe Valley.

By Portal Admin - 12th October 2020 - Back to News

An inventive virtual choir promoting social connection and fun through music in the Latrobe Valley is set to produce an online video featuring the world premiere of a new song - My Valley, My Home, written by the multi award winning conductor of Choir of Hard Knocks – Dr Jonathon Welch AM.

The My Valley, My Home virtual choir project is currently recruiting members to learn and develop a wide variety of musical and performance skills and techniques from the comfort and safety of their own home.

Developed in partnership between Latrobe Health Assembly, Latrobe Valley Community Choir, and Play It Forward, the project is bringing together diverse members of the community to learn, sing and record a song written especially for Latrobe Valley.

Play It Forward– the vision and legacy of Dr Jonathon Welch AM – is a national inclusive arts program which runs a number of choirs in Latrobe Valley, including the Latrobe Valley Community Choir and the YES I CAN Gippsland Choir, who have pivoted to operating virtually during lockdown.

Jonathon Welch composed the song My Valley, My Home following conversations and workshops with students at Morwell Central Primary School. It is hoped the celebratory song will become an anthem for local pride.

"I’ve been honoured to work with the wonderful Latrobe Valley Community Choir as their Artistic Director for the past seven years and create a number of largescale projects to help support the wonderful Latrobe Valley community. I’ve always wanted to write a song that celebrates the beauty of the Valley, and the resilience, energy and diversity of the community and am thrilled that it will also showcase the local talent through this new commission" Dr Welch said.

The My Valley, My Home project will culminate in the launch of an online video featuring choir members, as well as local Latrobe icons. This special rendition of My Valley, My Home will be showcased during Social Inclusion Week, November 21-29.

Latrobe Health Assembly Chair Tanya Rong said the project offers a unique opportunity for people to learn new skills. Although working virtually has its challenges, it has also provided silver linings, including increased accessibility and new social connections.

"We are committed to creating opportunities for everyone in Latrobe to connect and participate. This project is a great way for people to build and strengthen social connections and confidence, all while having fun" Ms Rong said.

Participants in the project will take part in virtual rehearsals to develop skills and be supported through the recording process. A special online welcome session will be held Sunday October 11. To learn more and get involved, please contact Tineke Westwood: 0427 955 009

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com

If you are the author of this story you can edit it by clicking here

• Local Artists to Be Showcased Along Rail Trail
  Latrobe Valley artists will have the chance to showcase their work along one of the region’s most scenic recreational trails.
• Local Festivals and Events go Digital
  Activities will be supported through the Government’s Multicultural Festivals and Events program, encouraging 148 community organisations across Victoria to get creative and move their events online.
• Latrobe Valley Receives Vital Recovery Funding
  Chambers of Commerce and Trader Groups provide critical advice, connections and resources to businesses in the Latrobe Valley and these grants will be crucial in helping them to support members’ transition to COVID Normal.
• Latrobe Valley Back to Work Scheme - Northe
  Considerations to reinstate Latrobe Valley Back to Work Scheme.
• Latrobe Valley Reserves Score Funding for Lighting Boost
  Transformation and improved amenity with $1,046,109 from Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program.
• Who is your Local Hero?
  Identify and nominate our local heroes.
• Kinders in the Latrobe Valley Get Tech Savvy with New Gear
  $1.1 million in technology grants for kindergartens.
• Latrobe City Releases Draft Investment Roadmap for Comment
  Latrobe City Investment Roadmap - ready for public comment.
• Latrobe City Council named an Employer of Choice
  Latrobe City Council, recognised as an Employer of Choice in The Australian Business Awards 2020.
• Funding for More Latrobe Valley Community Projects
  Upgrades to community meeting spaces in Glengarry and Morwell with nearly $200,000 fund.
• Council’s Responsibilities during the Local Council Election Period
  Council Election Caretaker Period from Tuesday 22 September to Saturday 24 October at 6pm.
• Preserving Morwell’s Local History
  Community groups across Victoria are being recognised for preserving, recording and sharing their community’s local history.
• Latrobe City Advocates for Additional COVID-19 Testing Resources
  Additional COVID testing resources to assist in reducing the lengthy delays requested.
• Celebrating Children’s Week in West Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley with Community Grants
  $100,000 fund to local communities across Victoria to host fun and free educational activities and events during this year’s Children’s Week celebrations.
• Grants to Keep West Gippsland and Latrobe Valley Creatives Working
  West Gippsland and Latrobe Valley artists and creative businesses to receive a lifeline from the Victorian Government.
• $436,839 Awarded to West Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley to Boost Safety and Employment
  31 projects sharing in more than $5.6 million in funding under the 2020-21 Community Safety Infrastructure Grants
• Supporting Early Stage Latrobe Valley Businesses
  Over $1.9 million in funding from the Business and Industry Capability Fund to support early stage businesses in the Latrobe Valley.
• Nominate and Celebrate your Local Heroes!
  Do you know someone living in Bass Coast who regularly goes above and beyond, you can always rely on for help, or you admire for their contribution to the community?
• Announcement of New Latrobe City Councillors
  New-look Latrobe City Council.
• Covid-19 Testing in Latrobe Needs Ramping up
  Drive through and mobile testing options within the Latrobe Valley urged.
• Supporting Our Music Industry in the Latrobe Valley
  Survival grants for local live music venues and new grants to protect music jobs on stage.
• Helping Sport and Active Recreation Organisations in West Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley Survive and Thrive
  Six grants under Community Sport Sector COVID-19 Short-term Survival Package announced.
• New Initiative Opens Cultural Doors for Locals
  Distance and transport will no longer be a barrier for Latrobe Valley residents wanting to attend cultural events in the regional city.
• Bush Crew beautifies Latrobe City
  Workers found new employment after losing their jobs during the pandemic through beautification of Latrobe City.
• Early Works Underway for Car Parks in the Latrobe Valley
  Tests underway to determine feasibility of the eight preferred sites in Moe, Morwell and Traralgon.