I am sure it is no surprise to receive this email about singing – we are cancelled indefinitely.

Primarily, I hope you are all OK. I can only imagine the ways the current circumstances are impacting you individually as I call each of you to mind and recognise your independent circumstances…aged parents, health concerns, business etc etc. It is difficult and I feel for you.

Personally, it’s a shock. There are many emotions to manage and even though I have a good sense of self and trust in life I can’t help but feel very rattled by the sudden practical impacts. Even cancelling the groups and communicating is a busy, emotionally tiring and big task.

Many people have written to me personally asking to continue to pay for our casual Friday sessions. I don’t know what makes me cry more, the kindness or the rest of it all. I am so touched by these messages and somewhat embarrassed. It is humbling and difficult to answer. I have placed my bank details under my name at the bottom of the email because I have been asked to. It is hard to do. 

Now, to the future. I trialled an online session last night. It was actually very well received but tough in the making. I will try another way tonight with VIVA and tomorrow I will have more of an idea of how our Thursday group may move forward. By Friday I will have more ideas.  Learning the new platforms is overwhelming. 

Singing is important to us all. I am also sensing we are all distracted by more physical and material needs in this moment. Soon I am sure we will settle to something and our hearts and souls will be looking our for connection. I will be there. This time of massive readjustment has reminded me that this career choice for me was never a choice. This thing I do is connect people through singing and I am fortunate to have a creative and courageous mind. I will find something for us that we don’t even know exists yet. And, after all this, we will come together with new experiences.

Please take care. PLEASE NOW USE MY WEBSITE to look for news. Your page is Friday Singing. Check there on Friday morning. I plan to have a video there for you to watch. I will talk with you then. You might like to have a coffee with me, a sing, bring your instrument. If that feels like something you would like to pay for, and you can, then I will leave that up to you. 

Take care out there….with warmth and care. PLease understand this email will go to some people who don’t come anymore – I apologise. And many new people will not receive it. I am sorry. Share widely – stay connected..look out for each other. 

Belinda Densley

Acabellas.com.au

BSB 633 000 Acc 158794438

The Friday Morning Group runs all year round and welcomes everyone. Attending this group is the best way to engage with the style and format of acabellas. Although the group is large, sometimes with 60 participants, it is personal, fun, energising and accessible.

We sing a broad range of material in 2 – 9 parts and celebrate an ever changing repertoire. The group is warm, welcoming and energetic. The songs are taught simply and effectively by echoing and the process of assembling a group song is engaging.

Friday Singing engages a wide spectrum of singers from professionals to beginners and aged from teens to eighties. We stand in a circle (or sit if needed), hold lyrics sheets and generally sing 4 to 6 songs per one hour session.

It is run every Friday of the school term from 9am- 10am at Geelong West Community Hub 89 Autumn Street Geelong West. The cost is $11.