New choir finds its voice

By Robert Kennard

EPPING, NSW, AUSTRALIA — A NEW choir group starting in West
Epping this month promises to shake, rattle and roll the vocal
chords to 1960s rock, classic soul and pop.

SingUp! is a network of modern vocal ensembles across Sydney
established by choir director and arranger, Stuart Davis.

Unlike a traditional choir, the new choir’s repertoire includes
songs by Crowded House, The Beatles, Aretha Franklin and
Coldplay.

Mr Davis said there was a need to adapt to the fast-changing
tastes and interest of the modern music lover.

“I’m always surprised at (choirs) which only perform a certain
kind of music. That would drive me crazy,” Mr Davis said.

“I like to explore all kinds of music, and learn new material
each term.”

Mr Davis said the choir is structured to adapt to the demands of
a modern lifestyle, with choir members able to access their parts
through MP3 recordings uploaded online.

“Choir (is) very fast-paced. People always say that they arrive
tired after a day at work and leave totally wired, even unable to
sleep in some cases.”