DRIVEN by a deep love for music and singing, Jasmine Bond is eager to bring a new musical initiative to Molong.
She is establishing a new community choir out of St John’s Church in the town, with its inaugural gathering scheduled for Wednesday 9 September.
Though she hopes to bring together enough singers for public performances, she notes a more profound motivation drives the effort.
“Right now, people need hope,” Bond said.
She firmly believes that singing can provide that, particularly as rural community members navigate daily pressures and the growing cost of living.
A lifelong singing enthusiast, Bond has been a member of several vocal ensembles over the years, including Small Town Harmonies.
However, after disruptions from COVID and the loss of their pianist, the group ultimately disbanded.
A turning point came earlier this year when a friend invited her to an afternoon of traditional hymn singing in Cumnock.
Featuring shared tea, familiar melodies, and community spirit, she said the gathering was precisely what she had been longing for.
“I didn’t need tea that night because I made a piggy of myself,” she said with a laugh.
That inspiring afternoon prompted her to ask, “Why can’t we do this?”
Driven to take action, she put together a list of songs, with a special focus on traditional hymns, which she said hold a cherished place in her heart.
“Certain lyrics genuinely resonate with your heart,” she said.
Her planned repertoire features classics such as His Eye is on the Sparrow, Nailed to the Cross, Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus, Rescue the Perishing, and Softly and Tenderly, alongside a wide variety of other selections.
Bond said she’s eager to open the group up to everyone, regardless of denomination or religion, and there is no need to have previous choir experience.
She also said she hopes that individuals who feel they lack vocal talent will not be deterred from joining.
“You just need a willing heart,” she said.
Individuals who feel they lack vocal talent should not be deterred from joining.
“You just need a willing heart,” Bond said.
She said she views singing in tune as a skill that can be developed over time.
“Nobody starts off being an Olympian at that standard,” she said.
There will be experienced musicians helping the group along, including a conductor who Bond said has a particular talent for taking people with little experience and helping them become part of a cohesive choir.
The group also has the benefit of a grand piano at St John’s, which Bond is very excited to make use of.
“We’ve got those good instruments down there,” she said.
Looking ahead, she envisions the group singing in various churches, local venues, and festive occasions like Carols by Candlelight, provided they feel prepared.
However, bringing performances directly to nursing homes and aged-care centers is an idea that she said particularly interests her, recognising that many elderly residents struggle to attend community gatherings.
“If we can go to them instead,” she said, “hopefully a good singsong cheers everybody up.”
Bond highlights that beyond the many benefits of singing, the choir provides a welcoming space, a supportive community, and a regular occasion to look forward to.
The first gathering will be held at St John’s Molong on Bank Street on Wednesday 9 September from 6pm.
Bond will be there from about 5.30pm to welcome anyone who is interested, with rehearsals planned to continue fortnightly.