Shepp Sings: New community singing group finds its voice

“The group has been a long time in the making,” Ms Boschetti said.

“I conducted Sing Australia Shepparton for five years and I loved it so much.

“However, I began to feel the limitations of it being a privately owned group.

“I wanted to have a community group that really did belong to the community.”

The group has a core focus of community and connection, with no barriers to membership.

Ms Boschetti feels cost has often impeded people’s ability to join local groups, so has made strides to avoid that happening with her group.

“I’ve tried to keep costs as low as possible,” she said.

“I want to make it accessible for as many people as we can.”

The group began rehearsals in April and has a flat rate membership fee of $90.

Since the group debuted, members aged from seven to 70-something have been welcomed through the doors of the South Shepparton Community Centre.

“I am really enjoying this group already,” Ms Boschetti said.

“The people who have decided to join, they just get it.

“They understand that it’s about community and about being together.”

The members tend to arrive 30 minutes before rehearsal to enjoy each other’s company over a cup of tea and a biscuit, prior to singing.

The group is accompanied by Graeme Brewer and Lindy Tennant, musicians who have a strong connection to the community and have been involved in local bands and groups for years.

“We are so lucky,” Ms Boschetti said.

“Lindy brings so much energy. So much positive energy.

“Graeme just knows music inside and out.

“They are both incredible to work with.”

Under the guidance of Ms Boschetti, the group has begun technical practice as well as harmony work through well-known tunes.

“We have been doing rounds that everyone can recognise,” Ms Boschetti said.

“Pieces like Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree.

“We have also begun singing classic songs such as The lion sleeps tonight and Yellow submarine.

“These song choices were not arbitrary, I chose them because they all have a theme of our group’s focus on connection and community.”

Shepp Sings has been welcomed by the South Shepparton Community Centre, for which Ms Boschetti is grateful.

The group is open to anyone in the community, from seasoned singers to people who have never sung outside their shower.

“It’s very casual,” Ms Boschetti said.

“People can join at any point in the year, and if people are unsure if they will enjoy the group, they are welcome to come for two trial sessions to see if they enjoy the rehearsals.”

If you would like to check out the group, head along to a rehearsal or two, or send an email to sheppsings@gmail.com to find out more information.