The Hilltops choir will apply for funding from the Sing Your Age grant program with the aim of broadening its membership base.
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The program is targeted at getting more senior citizens involved in in singing and music as a way to combat isolation and loneliness.
The initiative is offering up $150,000 in grants to encourage older residents to rediscover their musical roots.
Hilltops Choir Spokesperson Carole Clarke said they would apply for any funding that supports choirs and expands their ability to perform.
“We could branch out and look for new members in a wider area around Young and the Hilltops Region,”she said.
The grant funding could help us acquire a wider range of music to perform or even improve our rehearsal space.
“Over 70 percent of our members are senior citizens and it would allow us to help get some of our members to and from rehearsals and reduce the costs of traveling to and from performances out of town.
“The Choir gives older people new experiences and is a good social thing, we aren’t a strict choir everyone can come along and check it out, you don’t even have to audition.”
Member for Cootamundra Katrina Hodkinson said that the initiative will have more people in the Young area enjoying the power of song.
“This grants program will help tackle challenges sometimes faced by older people, including social isolation, loneliness, and negative perceptions of ageing,” she said.
“Local seniors have been given an extra incentive to hit the high notes as part of this unique new program.
The program is supported by the Australian National Choral Association (ANCA) which is now inviting any and all singing groups and community organisations to apply for funding.
The grants can be used for promotions, professional conductor fees, professional accompanist fees, the purchasing of musical equipment, and venue hire.
The Sing Your Age grant categories are:
- *Category 1 - $100 to $1,000 for expanding existing singing groups to include older people
- *Category 2 - $1001 to $7,000 for creating a new singing group or choir in one location.
- *Category 3 - $7,000 to $15,000 for creating or expanding singing groups in multiple locations.
For more information or to apply visit www.anca.org.au/facs-sing-your-age or contact the Australian National Choral Association on (03) 9254 1019. Grant applications close on August 18 at 5pm.
