If you’re a closet shower singer who dreams of performing on stage, are looking for new ways to collaborate and connect with others, or perhaps you simply just want to get involved in some inspiring community spirit, then this local organisation that’s all about celebrating the joy of music is where you need to be.
GOSPO Education, run by local musician, educator and female powerhouse Charmaine Jones of the GOSPO Collective, is inviting you to be a part of their FREE ‘Come & Try’ event tonight, Monday the 7th of August, at the Tabor Institute of Music in Goodwood. This open night is a great opportunity to get a taste of the fun and collaborative culture that is GOSPO, with the option of signing up for a casual membership on a term-by-term basis.
Charmaine, who is widely recognised as a performer and a sought-after educator in music, both here in SA and nationally, is passionate about connecting others with the healing power of music and invites everyone to give it a go.
‘From juniors starting at 6 years old to more senior individuals who might be anywhere from 70 years and older—everyone is welcome to come along on Monday, regardless of whether you’re a naturally gifted singer or not.’
‘It doesn’t matter if you can’t sing or what stage of the art journey you’re on,’ says Charmaine. ‘Everyone is welcome, and it’s an opportunity to learn new skills and bring some happiness to your day, despite what responsibilities and stress you may have going on in your life.’
With several vocal programs on offer—GOSPO Juniors for 5-12 years, GOSPO Chorus for 12-17 years, and GOSPO Commentary for 18+ years—individuals will learn various musical, singing and dancing skills and techniques and gain insight into the life of a performer.
‘Students not only gain experience in singing (choral/ensemble/solo), movement and performing, but they’ll also discover how to feel comfortable and confident in presenting themselves with regard to dress and makeup skills for shows whilst also developing their own personal musicianship, discipline and authenticity,’ says Charmaine. ‘It’s more than just a singing choir—we’re a community of people who are inspired to keep the industry both collaborative and beautiful.’
Charmaine began the GOSPO Education program back in 2014 as a way to give back and offer opportunities to others. ‘We are all ordinary people, wanting to do extraordinary things—to leave our mark, to make a change,’ says Charmaine. ‘I feel motivated to support the talent of others, help them find their niche, and give those who may be struggling in life a chance to connect and bring happiness to other people through performance—because to me, everyone deserves to shine.’
Whilst there are no commitments for anyone who joins the GOSPO Education programs, there are definite performance opportunities for those who wish to grace the stage. ‘Everyone can be in the shows, regardless of your strengths,’ says Charmaine.
‘We all support each other, from our Junior’s Chorus to our more senior Commentary program—there are also avenues for hired industry work down the track with the corporate GOSPO Collective front line.’
And, if you’ve never been fortunate to witness a GOSPO Collective show, either at the Adelaide Fringe or another event, it should be noted that the music performed is not religious gospel, however, ‘with the attributes of gospel music being at the epicentre of all the modern music we hear and produce today, along with the “choral element”, the mass sound is of course deeply reminiscent of the “gospel sounds,’ says Charmaine.
‘The technical structure, rhythm, tonality—our music takes their roots from gospel music, and we perform everything from Earth, Wind & Fire, Whitney and Prince, to Janet and Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake and Rhianna. It’s “African rhythms meets Western harmonies”, and to us at GOSPO, music is our religion—it brings peace to our soul.’
With classes held weekly on Monday nights, running from 4:30 pm – 5:15 pm for GOSPO Juniors, 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm for GOSPO Chorus, or 6:15 pm – 8 pm for GOSPO Commentary, each program runs on a term schedule, so there’s no long-term commitment. And, whilst these programs are in a group setting, there’s also the opportunity to book one-on-one lessons by request with Charmaine or another GOSPO trainer.
‘After being involved in vocal programs at various schools around South Australia during my years of teaching, several students from these schools have joined our GOSPO Education programs,’ says Charmaine. ‘I love how it gives them further experience and a chance to do what they love in community culture.’
So, whether you’re bursting with the talent of Tay Tay or you’re more of a karaoke regular, gather your friends and get along to GOSPO Education’s event this Monday—you don’t wanna miss it!
Where: Tabor Institute of Music, 181 Goodwood Rd, Millswood, SA 5034
When: Monday 8th of August starting at 4:30 pm
To register for ‘Come & Try’, click here, and for more info, click here
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