Serving the Community Through Music

17th August, 2016

 

A group of Girton Grammar students from the Mount Alexander Shire will take to the Ulumburra stage in support of the Forever Young community choir as part of the School’s Community Service program.

 

The students are part of the Girton Grammar Senior String Orchestra which has been supporting the choir for five years, and along with Wilbur Wilde, will perform in the Choir’s annual concert on 14th September.

 

Year 8 student, Simone Stephens, said that caring for the wider community and participating beyond the school gates was a normal part of Girton life.

 

“Playing in the orchestra that supports the Forever Young choir is wonderful. Through the School I also help the Smith Family and the Salvation Army and I am part of my local CFA.

 

“This will be my first Forever Young concert and I think it’s important to help people for the pure act of kindness,” Simone said.

 

Fellow orchestra member and Year 12 student, Nellie O’shea-Carre, said that the Girton Grammar Community Service activities were a good way for her to connect with people with whom she is not normally involved.

 

“I think Community Service is integral to developing an understanding of others within our community and an appreciation for the roles of all the inspiring people trying to create positive change.

 

“Being involved in the long rehearsal process for the annual Forever Young performance has allowed me to connect with older members in the community.

 

“Both orchestra and choir members have a special mutual respect for each other and it is lovely to contribute to making the choir sound its best and to be proud of their performance on the night,” she said.

 

Year 11 student, Ruby Shirres said that building a strong sense of social responsibility was a big part of the School culture at Girton and that this will be her third Forever Young concert performance.

 

“We are constantly encouraged to care for the wider community and told that we need to do good to feel good, which is very true.

 

“I help out regularly with community dinners and music events and enjoy the sharing of passion and ideas that comes with this” Ruby said.

 

The ‘Forever Young’ choir was established in 2011 by Mrs Laura Dusseljee, Head of Girton Grammar Junior School Music Department. It is a community choir made up of approximately 80 senior citizens, the youngest being 64 and oldest 94. The choir sings rock songs of all genres. They are accompanied by the Girton Rock Band and the Senior String Orchestra. The group enjoys a weekly morning tea and rehearsal in the Girton Grammar Junior School hall. Tickets for the “Born to be Wilde” concert are on sale at gotix.com.au

 

Annabelle, Nellis, Simone, Ruby and Sunday: supporting the Forever Young community choir
Annabelle, Nellie, Simone, Ruby and Sunday: supporting the Forever Young community choir