By Kaylene O’Shea
In the heart of Hobsons Bay, a harmonious gathering unfolds every Friday afternoon. At the Altona RSL, voices of all kinds converge, creating a tapestry of sound that resonates far beyond the walls of the rehearsal space. This is the With One Voice – Hobsons Bay (WOVHB) choir – a community where melodies meet memories, and strangers become friends.
Led by the passionate and experienced conductor, Steph Payne, the choir welcomes individuals from all walks of life. No auditions, no prerequisites—just a shared love for singing and connection. As Steph beautifully puts it, “Singing together connects us with a deep need to express ourselves. It moves us, it lifts us, and our shared voices surround us with joy.”
Each session is more than just practice; it’s a celebration of unity and inclusivity. A recent survey of 25 With One Voice Choirs (WOV) across Australia emphasised those points:
“I can’t believe how great we sound when none of us thinks individually that we can sing well”
“So many memorable moments happen when I am singing with the WOVHB choir.”
“Steph and all the other members make you feel very welcome and there is never any judgement made on or about your singing capabilities. Love it when we all sit around after choir having a cuppa and a chat, oh and many laughs too.”
Beyond weekly rehearsals, the choir participates in local events, sharing their joy with the broader community. Events like the Choir Jam in Laverton exemplify this spirit, bringing together singers from various groups to celebrate the universal language of music.
In a world that often feels fragmented, the WOVHB choir stands as an example of community that can remind us of the simple yet profound joy of coming together in song. So, if you are seeking connection and you love to sing, come along and join the fun. Your voice can be part of the chorus that uplifts, inspires and builds community.
Rehearsals are held every Friday from 1.30pm to 2.30pm at the Altona RSL which is located at 31 Sargood Street, Altona. The first two visits are complimentary. Then stay for a cuppa if you would like.
For more information, visit their website at With One Voice Hobsons Bay withonevoice.org.au/choirs/hobsonsbay/ or contact WOV on 03 8679 6088.
