BRIDGET a’Beckett is singing the praises of Footscray’s creative community. As the conductor of Footscray Sings, she is excited about the year ahead for the group, now based in permanent new digs at Footscray Community Arts Centre.
Ms a’Beckett says the group of about 30 is representative of the broad Footscray community, bringing together a range of cultures to sing anything from popular classics to African gospel songs.
“We are a community choir and all about social inclusion; we get together each week and have a good old sing.”
Members come from the local area and are aged from their teens up to 82.
“The choir has such an open and friendly personality; our rehearsals are always a lot of fun. A couple of weeks ago we had a bit of spontaneous tap-dancing.”
Footscray Sings is one of Creativity Australia’s 14 ‘With One Voice’ choirs.
The choir is relishing its new home at the Footscray Community Arts Centre, “right in the heart of the artistic community of Footscray”.
“It is just a lovely space. We were a bit homeless for a while; we used to be in the bluestone church but needed to find a new home. This feels like home already.”
The group has performed at several local events and is busy preparing for a World Refugee Day performance next month.
Ms a’Beckett said the choir was putting out an invitation to Footscray cultural communities to teach their homeland songs as part of the ‘Sing Your Story’ project.
Footscray Sings meets from 6-7.15pm on Thursdays and is always seeking new members: visit facebook.com/FootscraySings
