Since 2018, we have been the charity of choice for the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney choir, The Woolltones. Their donations are helping us bridge the inequity gap and deliver music education to disadvantaged children who would otherwise miss out on the benefits a music education provides. We were happy to catch up with one of our long-term supporters and learn a little bit more about their passion for music, its impact on the community, why they chose and keep choosing the ACMF, and their thoughts on the need for music education in schools.
- Tell us a little about the Woolltones—when did you start, how often do you meet, and what does it mean to you all?
Tanya Christensen, Musical Director of the Monday Nightingales choir, started The Woolltones Choir in 2018, to meet the need for a singing group in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, and it grew quickly. Despite taking a pause during COVID, the choir has gone from strength to strength, exceeding pre-COVID member numbers.
Meeting on Thursday afternoons in Woollahra, we are the only ‘daytime’ choir in the East, making it a perfect choir for older members of our community who often find it challenging to go out at night.
As a non-auditioned, community choir, we welcome singers of all levels – we share our love of music, sing a wide variety of repertoire, and have lots of fun!
- Tell us about The Woolltones’ impact on you as a choir and your community.
Research has shown us the health benefits of singing. But there is also a magic about music – it brings people together and gives them confidence, both socially and physically. This is so important particularly for older, isolated members of our community. Here’s what some of our members have to say about being in The Woolltones:
“A kind of magic happens when our voices combine and it’s straight out fun. I love being part of this choir.”
“I was very nervous about joining a choir. The Woolltones made me so welcome that I became confident, and have greatly enjoyed singing with the choir.”
“It’s amazing to watch as a mixed group of strangers be transformed into a choir.”
- How did you hear about the Australian Children’s Music Foundation, and why have you chosen this charity to donate to generously?
When our sister choir, The Monday Nightingales Choir, started, they decided to support the amazing work of the ACMF and its mission to bring the joy and magic of music to children who would otherwise miss out on the many benefits of music.
So when The Woolltones was formed, it gave us another opportunity to support the ACMF – and we didn’t hesitate to do so. Not only are we proud to be connected to this sensational organisation but our concert audiences are also delighted to donate to such a worthy and important cause.
- Do you have any other thoughts about the need for music education in schools?
Our Musical Director, Tanya Christensen says:
“I have been a music educator for over 25 years and passionately believe that music should be regarded as a subject like English or Math – a necessary and important part of any child’s education. There have been many studies on the benefits of music education and the evidence is overwhelmingly conclusive – a child who learns music will have improved academic, social, physical and emotional outcomes. Music is a force for good and on top of all that, it’s really great fun!”
