we can all make music

local vocals

What local government could do for/with community music-making

Singing and dancing together - the foundation of becoming community

'Research proves' that social activities like singing, dancing, eating and playing together provide the practical experience through which we learn to enjoy being and working with others.

It is now widely recognised that disconnectedness is the primary cause of deteriorating wellbeing in communities. Re-growing connection has to be a key priority for local government. A positive and fruitful initiative can be to encourage people to sing together. There are some simple steps. First:

Recognise, honour and support what's actually going on already

Find out what group singing is happening within your communities and give it respect. Then, there is a range of

Specific actions that can be taken

Subsidise attendance by aspiring leaders at group singing training sessions (including the Council's own employees)
Create a Council singing leader position to lead regular sessions of group singing throughout the year
Encourage and support workplace singing groups among the Council's own employees
Encourage and support community development workers to expose themselves and their clients to group music-making experiences
Make public space freely available for sessional singing (covering costs of public liability insurance, volunteer insurance, promotion etc where possible)
Introduce group singing into the regular procedures of public meetings
Sponsor town hall big sings
Sponsor gatherings of local singing groups for the exchange of repertoire
Encourage sessional singing to become a regular part of Council-sponsored arts programs (festivals, entertainment in the park etc)
Work towards having group song and dance becoming integrated into all child-care activities
Sponsor a repertoire CD of local favourites
Promote local group singing opportunities through the Council's media

And there's help

We (CMV) offer training, advice and connections in all aspects of facilitating the collaborative music-making activities of Victorians. Please give us a call