The Metung Singers are an un-auditioned community choir who meet for the joy of singing and the connection it creates when voices come together.
The choir focuses on vocal harmony, with members learning written parts — soprano, alto, tenor or bass — according to their voice type. Harmony singing requires each singer to blend their voice with others, creating a collective sound that is rich, layered and often deeply moving.
For many members, the experience extends beyond music. One chorister said joining the choir during a difficult personal period had a significant impact on their wellbeing, describing it as having “definitively improved my mental health.”
The Metung Singers perform a wide range of choral music, with members able to suggest repertoire or pieces they would like to learn. However, musical director Sue Taylor makes the final decision, drawing on her experience and understanding of both musical options and the strengths of the choir.
Members are encouraged to practise their parts at home between weekly rehearsals, which are held on Monday evenings at St John’s Church in Metung from 7.30pm to 9pm. There are no rehearsals during school holidays.
The choir also regularly collaborates with other East Gippsland choirs and musicians, performing at concerts across the region. Annual performances typically include events in Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance, and the Christmas celebration on the Metung Village Green.
This year’s Choral Festival will be held at St Mary’s Church in Bairnsdale on Sunday, May 24, featuring 10 choirs: Alley Cats Community Choir, Bairnsdale Gentlemen’s Choir, Filipino Community Choir, Harmony Scholars, Lakes Entrance Girl Singers, Maffra Community Choir, Metung Singers, Nowa Nowa Men’s Choir, Phoenix Singers and Stratford Singers.
The Metung Singers say they find joy and fulfilment in singing together and value the opportunity to share that experience with others.
“We are also grateful to have this way of expressing ourselves and connecting with others,” the choir said.
New members are welcome and can join on a three-week trial basis at no cost to determine whether the choir is the right fit.
Several members describe the choir as a welcoming and inclusive group that balances enjoyment with musical challenge.
“I’ve sung in choirs on and off for most of my life and have always found them joyous and rewarding,” one member said.
“The Metung Singers tick all the boxes for me — inclusive, friendly and fun, with just the right amount of challenge in learning and singing a variety of wonderful songs.”
Another member said the choir had also become an important social outlet.
“When I was young I loved singing in school choirs, so when I retired I was very happy to find the Metung Singers after moving to Johnsonville,” they said.
“Apart from wonderful singing, the choir encourages social activities such as shared suppers, which means lovely friendships can develop.”
