Sing like no one is watching

A new community group that enables people to sing with others, but without an audience, is starting in Ōrewa. 

Hatfields Beach resident Andrew Westaway, who describes himself as a “shower and car karaoke” singer, is behind the initiative. He is also a piano student, who can read music. 

Andrew says the idea is to provide a regular opportunity for locals to enjoy singing popular jazz standards together in an informal group, for fun and the therapeutic value of singing.

“I’m looking for anyone who, like me, enjoys singing but not performing,” he says. This will be a singalong group with no solo performances, concerts, rehearsing or auditions. And you won’t have to read music or sing difficult harmonies.”

His musical preference for the group is for Broadway jazz standards from the 1920s to the 50s, “but you won’t have to sing like Frank Sinatra or Ella Fitzgerald”. 

“Most of these songs were hits from Broadway musicals, written by classically trained composers like George Gershwin, Richard Rodgers and Cole Porter. Others were written by jazz musicians like Duke Ellington or Erroll Garner. The  songs were often written to fit the narrative of a show, and, generally, to cheer people up. Consequently they are short and simple but catchy. It was the pop music of the time,” he says.

Andrew wants live accompaniment to the singing and is looking for backing musicians, perhaps retired people who play at a good level and can read music, as well as a few singers with strong voices to lead.

But apart from that, he is open to whoever wants to get involved

“I’m jumping in to see who  turns up,” he says. “It’s a low stress, low anxiety approach and everyone is welcome.”

The first Singalong is on Sunday, June 9 at Ōrewa Beach Primary School, 280 Centreway Road, 7pm-9pm. Just turn up, or for more info email andrewjameswestaway@gmail.com