Choirs

Ensembles rehearsal typically occur once per week (unless otherwise stated) for various lengths of time. The fee payable for most ensemble/choir participation is $124.05 per 9 week term (inclusive of GST).  See enrolment information and term dates.

See below for the ensembles and choirs options:

BrainWaves Stroke Survivors Choir

Saturdays 11:30am - 1:30pm

Free of charge

BrainWaves is a choir for people who have survived a stroke and their partners or carers. It was started as an initiative of Hunter New England Health’s Community Stroke Team and became the basis of Bernadette Matthias’ PhD research project into stroke recovery with her background in both speech pathology and music and as a professional singer and choir director. The choir is currently being led by Stephanie Tuyl, an alumnus of the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music. Stephanie holds a Bachelor in Music/Arts and is currently studying a Masters of Music Therapy. She has been a member of choirs for many years as well as having performed professionally around the world.

The Brainwaves choir was first established – in 2 groups – in early 2012 as a research project supported by the National Stroke Foundation. After baseline assessments of well-being, quality of life, depression, social participation and communication, Group A participated in 12 weeks of 2-hour choir rehearsals. Following further assessment for all, Group B received the same. The first choir performed publicly in December 2012 and the second in June 2013. A combined public performance was held at the University of Newcastle’s Conservatorium of Music in December 2013. The choir also enjoyed national exposure on SBS TV’s Insight program (September 2013). Insight: Strokes. While the results of the study are yet to be published, choir members and their carers have reported benefits in communication skills, socialisation, mood and wellbeing.

In 2014 BrainWaves was established as one of the Community Choirs of the University of Newcastle’s Conservatorium of Music with the assistance of private donor, Jennie Thomas. It has grown into a talented and inspiring group where warm friendships and fun are as important as the music that is made. The Conservatorium BrainWaves Stroke Choir operates under the patronage of the Stroke Recovery Association.

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/brainwaveschoir

Donations to help ensure the future of the BrainWaves choir are welcome through the University of Newcastle Office of Alumni and Philanthropy. Phone: (02) 4985 4297

There is no fee to attend.

Callaghan Singers

Callaghan Singers

Tuesdays 5:30pm - 7:30pm 

Currently at capacity and accepting waitlist enrolments only.

The Callaghan singers provide a fun and social environment in which adults of all ages can develop their singing, harmonisation and musical skills. The choir is open to enthusiastic singers of all ages from the community as well as students and staff of the University. Members enjoy singing a variety of styles from madrigals to pop music ensuring that rehearsals are both fun and informal. Performances include singing at community events whenever the opportunity arises. Although you don't need to be able to read music a sense of fun and a willingness to learn are essential.

The Unforgettables

The Unforgettables

Saturdays 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Free of charge

The Unforgettables is a choir for people with a diagnosis of dementia and their care partners. The choir offers members of the community the opportunity to share the joy of singing in a group with expert support from music and music therapy professionals. The power of music to re-awaken memories and motivate us to engage is well known. Singing in a group also brings physical benefits in improvements to breath, posture and muscle tension, as well as a sense of social connections which are enhanced by group singing. We are very pleased to have The Hon. Sonia Hornery, MP for Wallsend, a dedicated advocate for dementia awareness, as the choir's patron.

The Conservatorium has outstanding facilities, including a wide, accessible entrance. The choir will meet on Saturday afternoons and afternoon tea will form part of the choir practice structure. This choir is not auditioned and everyone is welcome. We ask that care-partners attend and sing with the choir as well.

Please note: both the participant and care-partner must complete an enrolment form.

Supertonics Vocal Group

Wednesdays 6:00pm - 7:00pm

In this contemporary singing ensemble, students will benefit from tuition in vocal technique, harmony, movement, microphone technique and performance. Open to students aged 15-19 years old. Contact us to arrange an audition to join.

Vocal Company

Saturdays 9:15am - 11:15am

The Vocal Company is a lively and adventurous group of singers who enjoy a wide repertoire - from Mozart to the Beatles and beyond! Aimed at the 'young at heart' (50+), Vocal Company offers a warm and welcoming environment where everyone is comfortable no matter what their musical background. You don't need to know how to read music but simply be able to hold a tune!