Bella A'Capella members in their new home at the Echuca Federal Band rooms. Photo: Supplied
Echuca-Moama is a thriving community that is only growing. One of the many reasons people love the region is the multitude of groups they can be a part of. To help you find the right group, check out our ‘Why not join ...’ series each week, where we focus on a community group.
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In today’s edition, Emily Donohoe speaks to Bella A’Capella.
Bella A’Capella, formed around 30 years ago as a drumming group, now provides local singers with a supportive space to harmonise every week and perform at events around the region.
Experienced singer Marion Heywood was looking for a choir when she moved from Sydney to Echuca six years ago in the hopes of flexing her singing muscles.
After hearing about Bella A’Capella, Mrs Heywood was sold, and her vocal cords have been getting a workout ever since.
“When I moved I wanted to find a choir,” she said.
“Someone said, ‘(there’s) an a cappella choir,’ so I thought, ‘great. I came from an a cappella choir, I’ll move right in’.”
Now the choir conductor, Mrs Heywood enjoys leading the group of 24 regular and passionate members.
Bella A’Capella often performs at concerts and community events, including the Echuca-Moama Uniting Church Sunday Sounds series, various Christmas carols events and the Goulburn Valley Big Sing.
“We’re very lucky,” Mrs Heywood said.
“We’ve got a good team of people who really want to get out there and do things.
“They enjoy it and I think for a community choir, the way we sing, and the level is pretty good.”
Bella A'Capella conductor Marion Heywood leads the choir at the Sunday, November 3 Echuca Moama Uniting Church Sunday Sounds event. Photo: Matthew Kappos
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Matthew Kappos
While some members are daunted by the a cappella performance style, the group is increasingly adding instrumental accompaniment along with their two-to-four part harmonies.
Mrs Heywood also ensures the music is accessible to all levels of experience, from seasoned professionals to car or shower singers.
In early November, the choir members performed alongside the Echuca Federal Band, who they now share the federal band rooms with as a rehearsal space. They hope to collaborate more into the future.
“A cappella scares people off a bit because it’s unaccompanied,” Mrs Heywood said.
“We are now integrating a lot more with accompaniment and backing tracks, then with the band as well.
“People say, ‘I can’t read music’, but I’ve got plenty of people who can’t read music.
“We do audio, I record all the parts, they’ve got all the words. You accommodate.”
Even fellow director Chris Wakefield is unable to read music, learning all music by ear.
Their combined skill set makes them the perfect duo to guide singers with different musical backgrounds.
“Chris is amazing,” Mrs Heywood said.
“She doesn’t read music, but has this great ability to teach everything from ear.
“I have the other side of it where I have the musical knowledge, so we share that role together.”
The group has a diverse repertoire, mostly focused on well-known pieces, also learning some world music and incorporating ‘choralography’ into their performances.
“We try and sing songs that people know,” Mrs Heywood said.
“It wasn’t like that ... but I thought if we’re going to sing out, we need to sing songs that people know.
“Sweet Caroline, an ABBA medley with choralography ... we love what we do, we’re very lucky.”
The choir is brushing up on Christmas carols, ready to perform at a range of events across the twin towns in the festive season.
They always welcome new members, with no expectations of ability or experience.
Bella A’Capella meets every Monday at the Federal Band rooms at 430 High St, Echuca from 7pm to 9pm.
To speak with a choir representative or express interest in joining, reach out to bellaechuca@gmail.comor call 0458 916 910.
