Upcoming Performances & Events
Our noticeboard for Events, Performances & other info/announcements is now our FACEBOOK page.
Please visit us there for latest goss!
Photo by Anton Thompson
News
We're on Facebook & we're loving it
Freedom Train choir now has its own Facebook page as its community notice-board.
Check it out and click LIKE to stay in touch!
http://www.facebook.com/freedomtrainchoir
If you're not on facebook, you can still VIEW the page, just like any website, without having to login.
Check it out and click LIKE to stay in touch!
http://www.facebook.com/freedomtrainchoir
If you're not on facebook, you can still VIEW the page, just like any website, without having to login.
Our history...
See News items below from our past years. It's nice to look back on our history!
Harmonies @ Carrington RSL Care
Photo by Debe Wyatt
After the success of last year's visit, the choir were thrilled to be invited back to perform at Carrington RSL Care, a sister to our rehearsal-home at Talbarra RSL Care.
The choir performed two sets interspersed with a couple of songs by mundyturner (aka the choir's directors Cath & Jay) from their rock 'n' roll musical BILLY BUCKETT - Feather on the Wind and Wreck Out Of My Heart (both by Jay Turner).
On the choir's set list: Love That Harmony (by Brian Martin), Amazing Grace (both the traditional version & an upbeat African-American version based on Tony Backhouse's arrangement of Sam Cooke's rendition), Bring Me Little Water Silvy (Moira Smiley's version of the Leadbelly song), Bele Mama, Thuma Mina, Happy Together (by The Turtles), Something (by George Harrison), Down In The River (Alison Krauss version), Mornington Ride, Farewell 2 You (by Cath Mundy) and the surprise encore, Come Along My Friend.
In-choir instrumentalists joined in on several numbers on ukuleles (Carmel, Jay Be, Jay and Cath), darambuka (Alyssa) plus we were honoured to have Chris Powell play bass guitar again with the group.
It was great to perform a few debut numbers (Something, Happy Together and Bring Me Little Water) and impressive to see a number of the choir members tackle the body percussion part of the latter while singing - no mean feat!
It was also the first Freedom Train performance for a number of our newer members - and they had a ball! Afterwards, Chris & King kindly invited us all back to their place for a bring-a-plate arvo tea. A lovely day.
Debe Wyatt, Diversional Therapist at Carrington and enthusiastic supporter of Freedom Train, said:
"A huge thankyou to Cath, Jay and the Choir for a wonderful concert on Saturday afternoon. As I walked around the wings this morning many residents stopped me to comment on the concert so please convey this message to the team/Choir, thankyou for giving up your Saturday to entertain us.
My sincere grateful thankyou to Cath and Jay for sharing your amazing gift, talent and time with us - please keep on sharing the music."
The choir performed two sets interspersed with a couple of songs by mundyturner (aka the choir's directors Cath & Jay) from their rock 'n' roll musical BILLY BUCKETT - Feather on the Wind and Wreck Out Of My Heart (both by Jay Turner).
On the choir's set list: Love That Harmony (by Brian Martin), Amazing Grace (both the traditional version & an upbeat African-American version based on Tony Backhouse's arrangement of Sam Cooke's rendition), Bring Me Little Water Silvy (Moira Smiley's version of the Leadbelly song), Bele Mama, Thuma Mina, Happy Together (by The Turtles), Something (by George Harrison), Down In The River (Alison Krauss version), Mornington Ride, Farewell 2 You (by Cath Mundy) and the surprise encore, Come Along My Friend.
In-choir instrumentalists joined in on several numbers on ukuleles (Carmel, Jay Be, Jay and Cath), darambuka (Alyssa) plus we were honoured to have Chris Powell play bass guitar again with the group.
It was great to perform a few debut numbers (Something, Happy Together and Bring Me Little Water) and impressive to see a number of the choir members tackle the body percussion part of the latter while singing - no mean feat!
It was also the first Freedom Train performance for a number of our newer members - and they had a ball! Afterwards, Chris & King kindly invited us all back to their place for a bring-a-plate arvo tea. A lovely day.
Debe Wyatt, Diversional Therapist at Carrington and enthusiastic supporter of Freedom Train, said:
"A huge thankyou to Cath, Jay and the Choir for a wonderful concert on Saturday afternoon. As I walked around the wings this morning many residents stopped me to comment on the concert so please convey this message to the team/Choir, thankyou for giving up your Saturday to entertain us.
My sincere grateful thankyou to Cath and Jay for sharing your amazing gift, talent and time with us - please keep on sharing the music."
Freedom Train 2012 looking back
Voice guru Brian Martin with Freedom Train choir members at the choir's special workshop with Brian on 15 Sept 2012.
We had a very busy 2012 so far!! In brief:
Sat 26 May 2012: "Strength to Strength" Album LAUNCH PARTY, 4EB radio, 140 Main St, Kangaroo Point. See below article about the recording made by Freedom Train & Mixed Beans combined female choir for this album.
Sat 16 June: Freedom Train & members of Logan Ukulele Club performed a concert for residents of Carrington RSL Care, Parkinson which was rapturously received.
Sat 21 July, Freedom Train turns FOUR! Had a great party at member Liz' place!!!
Sun 5 August, 2pm: Freedom Train perform as part of the Southern Cross Voices 20th anniversary concert, Logan Entertainment Centre on the bill with the Southern Cross Voices and River City Clippers Male Barbershop chorus.
Sat 18 August, 7pm: Feel the Spirit concert of community music, promoted by Kingston New Apolstelic Church. Freedom Train combine with Mixed Beans for a set @ Kingston Butter Factory Theatre. Combined finale with the Beenleigh Orchestra and Kingston New Apostelic Church Choir, conducted by Cath Mundy.
Sun 26 August, 2pm: Freedom Train's "Welcome to Spring Concert" @ Talbarra RSL Care, Waterford with special guests Logan Ukulele Club and soloists from Freedom Train. A fabulous concert with great performances by all!
Sat 15 Sept, 10am-4pm: Special private workshop with voice guru, "the choir whisperer" Brian Martin at Logan Village. "What a wonderful day with Brian, the other choir members and our choirleader, Cath! Five plus hours of learning and fun with so many ‘light bulb’ moments is too hard to put into a few words – the ‘playback’ voice, the blending, different effects with tone and rhythm are just a few. It was amazing how much more attuned to each other we became. I can’t wait for Monday to keep practising with the new techniques with the rest of the choir."
Sun 16 Dec, 10am: A Freedom Train Christmas @ Talbarra. A wonderful concert entertaining Talbarra residents plus choir family & friends, with carols ranging from Benjamin Britten's "Hodie" from his "Ceremony of Carols" and the ancient "Coventry Carol" to the pop of John Lennon's "Happy Christmas (War Is Over)".
A bold sub-group of the choir also gave a post-morning tea rendition of "Thou Shalt" by The Idea of North - our most ambitious piece to date.
Well done everyone. Thank you for the lovely gifts to your choir director and for a fabulous year of Freedom Train! xoxoxo
Sat 26 May 2012: "Strength to Strength" Album LAUNCH PARTY, 4EB radio, 140 Main St, Kangaroo Point. See below article about the recording made by Freedom Train & Mixed Beans combined female choir for this album.
Sat 16 June: Freedom Train & members of Logan Ukulele Club performed a concert for residents of Carrington RSL Care, Parkinson which was rapturously received.
Sat 21 July, Freedom Train turns FOUR! Had a great party at member Liz' place!!!
Sun 5 August, 2pm: Freedom Train perform as part of the Southern Cross Voices 20th anniversary concert, Logan Entertainment Centre on the bill with the Southern Cross Voices and River City Clippers Male Barbershop chorus.
Sat 18 August, 7pm: Feel the Spirit concert of community music, promoted by Kingston New Apolstelic Church. Freedom Train combine with Mixed Beans for a set @ Kingston Butter Factory Theatre. Combined finale with the Beenleigh Orchestra and Kingston New Apostelic Church Choir, conducted by Cath Mundy.
Sun 26 August, 2pm: Freedom Train's "Welcome to Spring Concert" @ Talbarra RSL Care, Waterford with special guests Logan Ukulele Club and soloists from Freedom Train. A fabulous concert with great performances by all!
Sat 15 Sept, 10am-4pm: Special private workshop with voice guru, "the choir whisperer" Brian Martin at Logan Village. "What a wonderful day with Brian, the other choir members and our choirleader, Cath! Five plus hours of learning and fun with so many ‘light bulb’ moments is too hard to put into a few words – the ‘playback’ voice, the blending, different effects with tone and rhythm are just a few. It was amazing how much more attuned to each other we became. I can’t wait for Monday to keep practising with the new techniques with the rest of the choir."
Sun 16 Dec, 10am: A Freedom Train Christmas @ Talbarra. A wonderful concert entertaining Talbarra residents plus choir family & friends, with carols ranging from Benjamin Britten's "Hodie" from his "Ceremony of Carols" and the ancient "Coventry Carol" to the pop of John Lennon's "Happy Christmas (War Is Over)".
A bold sub-group of the choir also gave a post-morning tea rendition of "Thou Shalt" by The Idea of North - our most ambitious piece to date.
Well done everyone. Thank you for the lovely gifts to your choir director and for a fabulous year of Freedom Train! xoxoxo
Combined Female Choir Records Track for Album
The women of Freedom Train & Mixed Beans combined to record "Refugee (Have Mercy)" by Jay Turner & Cath Mundy, for 4EB's Strength to Strength album.
On Sat 24 March 2012, the female members of Freedom Train combined with Mixed Beans multicultural choir's femmes to record a new version of mundyturner's song "Refugee (Have Mercy)" for a special album project called STRENGTH TO STRENGTH. The album is being produced by 4EB/Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre featuring the performances of songs & stories of multicultural women.
The recording session took place at 4EB Radio's own very fine recording studio at their Kangaroo Point premises. The choir was accompanied by Chris Powell on bass guitar and Jay Turner (song's author) on acoustic guitar.
The conductor of both choirs Cath Mundy also recorded a track as a solo artist, "New Country" a stunning original song by Cath's best friend and colleague Julie Robson, accompanied again by Chris on bass guitar and Jay playing a unique 6-string tenor ukulele.
Julie Robson (who worked for years with Cath in touring acappella trio Sister Moon Ensemble) also joined the choir to record "Refugee" along with other talented special guests: Dawn Albinger, Katrina Irawati Graham and Katrina's daughter Shekinah Rasborsek, and Mixed Beans' Shaquille Autafuga recorded the verse solos.
STRENGTH TO STRENGTH is being launched on 26 May at 4EB and will be distributed nation-wide to every Australian community radio station for airplay.
The recording session took place at 4EB Radio's own very fine recording studio at their Kangaroo Point premises. The choir was accompanied by Chris Powell on bass guitar and Jay Turner (song's author) on acoustic guitar.
The conductor of both choirs Cath Mundy also recorded a track as a solo artist, "New Country" a stunning original song by Cath's best friend and colleague Julie Robson, accompanied again by Chris on bass guitar and Jay playing a unique 6-string tenor ukulele.
Julie Robson (who worked for years with Cath in touring acappella trio Sister Moon Ensemble) also joined the choir to record "Refugee" along with other talented special guests: Dawn Albinger, Katrina Irawati Graham and Katrina's daughter Shekinah Rasborsek, and Mixed Beans' Shaquille Autafuga recorded the verse solos.
STRENGTH TO STRENGTH is being launched on 26 May at 4EB and will be distributed nation-wide to every Australian community radio station for airplay.
A Freedom Train Christmas 2011
The Troublemakers - Euan, Paddy, Alice & Joe, from Tamborine Village. With their average age only 6 years, are they the youngest rock band in the world? They certainly are fabulous!
Photo by Barbara Mundy
Gorgeous (and BIG) concert today!! Great job Freedom Train and thanks for a wonderful year of singing, laughter and fellowship. You made so many peoples lives brighter today by bringing them the gift of your song, your smiles and your "good will to everyone"
And thank you for the gorgeous flowers & generous gift card to your choir directors, Freedom Train - we certainly appreciate it!
Thanks to our special guests on the bill - The Troublemakers (amazing - the youngest rock band in the world, so talented), Jessie Dowds (the voice of an angel - wow!)), Hannah Robb (major talent on the piano and only 11!!), and the Logan Ukulele Club (spirited set!).
Thanks to our local pollies Evan Moorhead (State Member for Waterford - who always attends!!) and Bert van Manen (Federal MP) for coming too.
Thanks to Gwen for selling the last of the Singclusion Art Union Draw tickets.
Thanks to our sponsors Talbarra RSL Care. Thanks to my mum minding our lil fella, taking photos and making it all possible.
Click on the above picture to see more images from the concert.
And thank you for the gorgeous flowers & generous gift card to your choir directors, Freedom Train - we certainly appreciate it!
Thanks to our special guests on the bill - The Troublemakers (amazing - the youngest rock band in the world, so talented), Jessie Dowds (the voice of an angel - wow!)), Hannah Robb (major talent on the piano and only 11!!), and the Logan Ukulele Club (spirited set!).
Thanks to our local pollies Evan Moorhead (State Member for Waterford - who always attends!!) and Bert van Manen (Federal MP) for coming too.
Thanks to Gwen for selling the last of the Singclusion Art Union Draw tickets.
Thanks to our sponsors Talbarra RSL Care. Thanks to my mum minding our lil fella, taking photos and making it all possible.
Click on the above picture to see more images from the concert.
Big Sunday
Freedom Train adding song and celebration to Talbarra RSL Care's 5th Birthday Event, 9 Oct 2011.
Sunday 9 October was a big one for Freedom Train.
After a morning rehearsal, the choir performed over an hour's worth of music for Talbarra RSL Care's 5th Birthday, including a set as the Logan Ukulele Club.
Many then went on to South Bank to perform with sister choir Mixed Beans at The Australian Voices Festival of Aussie Choral Music @ The Conservatorium's Ian Hangar Recital Hall, South Bank in the late afternoon.
International gold-medallists The Australian Voices (TAV) opened proceedings with a gorgeous set. Hard act to follow!
However these two beautiful community choirs from Logan did themselves proud, singing "Kubill Jagan (Beautiful Country) / Choongarrah (Pelican)", two short chants in Yugambeh language, followed by "Inanay", also in indigenous language.
The set was followed by performances by two other guest choirs, All Saints Anglican School choir and the amazing "On Wings Of Sound" choir, featuring hearing-impaired children from the Hear & Say Centre. Both children's groups were inspirational! The Hear & Say kids were particularly adorable being so tiny and dressed in glittery butterfly wings.
TAV then entranced the audience with a closing set that had many "goosebump" moments.
Back on stage all choirs joined together to sing "Kalkadunga Yurdu" by William Barton & Gordon Hamilton. What a blast of a day. Well done to all involved and thank you for your wonderful input into making the day a success.
Pics of the Talbarra performance are at this link on the choir's Facebook page.
Movies of the Con performance are coming!
See blog entry for more comments on the day.
After a morning rehearsal, the choir performed over an hour's worth of music for Talbarra RSL Care's 5th Birthday, including a set as the Logan Ukulele Club.
Many then went on to South Bank to perform with sister choir Mixed Beans at The Australian Voices Festival of Aussie Choral Music @ The Conservatorium's Ian Hangar Recital Hall, South Bank in the late afternoon.
International gold-medallists The Australian Voices (TAV) opened proceedings with a gorgeous set. Hard act to follow!
However these two beautiful community choirs from Logan did themselves proud, singing "Kubill Jagan (Beautiful Country) / Choongarrah (Pelican)", two short chants in Yugambeh language, followed by "Inanay", also in indigenous language.
The set was followed by performances by two other guest choirs, All Saints Anglican School choir and the amazing "On Wings Of Sound" choir, featuring hearing-impaired children from the Hear & Say Centre. Both children's groups were inspirational! The Hear & Say kids were particularly adorable being so tiny and dressed in glittery butterfly wings.
TAV then entranced the audience with a closing set that had many "goosebump" moments.
Back on stage all choirs joined together to sing "Kalkadunga Yurdu" by William Barton & Gordon Hamilton. What a blast of a day. Well done to all involved and thank you for your wonderful input into making the day a success.
Pics of the Talbarra performance are at this link on the choir's Facebook page.
Movies of the Con performance are coming!
See blog entry for more comments on the day.
Conductors Soar to New Heights with
The Australian Voices
Gordon Hamilton, Artistic Director of The Australian Voices, presenting John & Cath with their Professional Development Certificates following the 2-day Conductors Masterclass 2011.
Freedom Train & Mixed Beans music director Cath Mundy, along with John Rodriquez (FT member, MB choir co-ordinator), were two of ten "guest conductors" participating in The Australian Voices Conductors Masterclass at The Queensland Conservatorium of Music, 3-4 September 2011.
Led by The Australian Voices Artistic Director, Gordon Hamilton, the course presented a unique opportunity for both experienced and aspiring conductors to develop their skills in a creative atmosphere, collaborating with an internationally-awarded choir.
Cath & John are grateful for assistance through Logan City Council & Arts Queensland's Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) and Mixed Beans/Singclusion Inc to attend the course.
John Rodriquez, who is also president of Singclusion Inc, said Singclusion Inc's role is to help promote social inclusion through music. "It was great to identify this wonderful opportunity and to make it available to both an experienced and an aspiring new conductor."
Cath said, "It was incredibly invigorating to sing with and conduct a choir of The Australian Voices’ calibre. And what an honour for us to be personally coached by Gordon Hamilton, who is one of Australia’s finest choral composers and conductors.
I was able to apply so much of what I’d learned on the course with my choirs straight away, at the very next rehearsal. My choir members could feel and hear the difference in the sound they were making. They are also now inspired to take our choirs on to the next level."
Led by The Australian Voices Artistic Director, Gordon Hamilton, the course presented a unique opportunity for both experienced and aspiring conductors to develop their skills in a creative atmosphere, collaborating with an internationally-awarded choir.
Cath & John are grateful for assistance through Logan City Council & Arts Queensland's Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) and Mixed Beans/Singclusion Inc to attend the course.
John Rodriquez, who is also president of Singclusion Inc, said Singclusion Inc's role is to help promote social inclusion through music. "It was great to identify this wonderful opportunity and to make it available to both an experienced and an aspiring new conductor."
Cath said, "It was incredibly invigorating to sing with and conduct a choir of The Australian Voices’ calibre. And what an honour for us to be personally coached by Gordon Hamilton, who is one of Australia’s finest choral composers and conductors.
I was able to apply so much of what I’d learned on the course with my choirs straight away, at the very next rehearsal. My choir members could feel and hear the difference in the sound they were making. They are also now inspired to take our choirs on to the next level."
Media Day with Gordon Hamilton
Gordon Hamilton conducting The Beaudesert Voices; a choir of local singers being formed to join The Australian Voices for their opening number in concert at Beaudesert's The Centre on Sat 15 Oct 2011.
T'was a busy day for Cath Mundy, musical director of Freedom Train & Mixed Beans on Wed 5 Oct 2011.
Cath and Singclusion Inc president John Rodriquez met Gordon Hamilton (Artistic Director of The Australian Voices) at the Logan Art Gallery. Gordon presented John & Cath with Professional Development Certificates for their participation in The Australian Voices Conductors Masterclass 2011.
Judy Constable very kindly took photos to accompany a media release about the Masterclass.
Cath continued on to Beaudesert to join Gordon and Freedom Train member Jen Furlong for a radio interview with personable DJ "Dezzy T" at Beau FM.
Jen & I talked about Mixed Beans' and Freedom Train's involvement in the 15 October Beaudesert performance by The Australian Voices, and helped Gordon promote the gig.
From there we walked down to The Centre for a press call/rehearsal with Gordon leading local singers plus Maureen, Jen, Laurel (FT & MB members) and myself.
A reporter from the Beaudesert Times were in attendance taking photos and interviewing us about the upcoming gig at The Centre while Gordon taught us to sing "Kalkadunga Yurdu" complete with overtone singing.
Heaps of fun and a very productive day.
Cath and Singclusion Inc president John Rodriquez met Gordon Hamilton (Artistic Director of The Australian Voices) at the Logan Art Gallery. Gordon presented John & Cath with Professional Development Certificates for their participation in The Australian Voices Conductors Masterclass 2011.
Judy Constable very kindly took photos to accompany a media release about the Masterclass.
Cath continued on to Beaudesert to join Gordon and Freedom Train member Jen Furlong for a radio interview with personable DJ "Dezzy T" at Beau FM.
Jen & I talked about Mixed Beans' and Freedom Train's involvement in the 15 October Beaudesert performance by The Australian Voices, and helped Gordon promote the gig.
From there we walked down to The Centre for a press call/rehearsal with Gordon leading local singers plus Maureen, Jen, Laurel (FT & MB members) and myself.
A reporter from the Beaudesert Times were in attendance taking photos and interviewing us about the upcoming gig at The Centre while Gordon taught us to sing "Kalkadunga Yurdu" complete with overtone singing.
Heaps of fun and a very productive day.
Winter Grace Glow
Check out the pics by Anton Thompson of Winter Grace concert 7/8/11.
The choir's annual winter concert @ Talbarra left everyone basking in the glow of good vibes. Attended by an enthusiastic crowd, including State Member for Waterford Evan Moorhead and Logan Mayor Pam Parker, Freedom Train did themselves proud with two gorgeous sets of mostly acappella songs. The theme was singing Grace - giving thanks to Talbarra for sponsoring the choir's weekly rehearsal venue and to celebrate three years of choir-dom.
The two Freedom Train sets were diversity itself. The choir sang 3-4 part rounds ranging from Latin "Dona Nobis Pacem" to Moondog's swingin' "Nero's Expedition", world-music (with South African " Thapelo" and Macedonian folk song "Shtomi E Milo"), an original song by the choir director especially for the group "Children of the Universe" and 4-5part acap-pop ("All You Need Is Love" and "The Tide Is High").
In keeping with the concert's theme Freedom Train also "sang grace" with two versions of "Amazing Grace" - segueing from the traditional version, complete with soloists, chiming ukuleles and improvised harmonies, into the soulful r'n'b of the Sam Cooke version.
Between choir sets the Logan Ukulele Club gave a spirited debut performance with with Chris Powell on bass accompanying 9 ukulele-ists. Most of the members are Freedom Train members as well. LUC played "The End of the Line" by the Travelling Wilburys and "Jamaica Farewell" - see pic below - and had the audience singing along.
Next up! The Young Stars of Skyline Guitar Studio - Jordi (13yrs), Bianca (13 yrs) and Greer (10 yrs), new students of Freedom Train co-director Jay Turner - played a gorgeously sensitive version of Sting's "Field of Gold", sung by Jordi, which had folks standing up cheering.
Duo mundyturner rocknrolled on "Wreck Out of My Heart" a preview from Jay Turner's musical Billy Buckett, before welcoming Freedom Train back for their final set. Members of sister choir Mixed Beans joined the choir on stage to groove out to "Come Along My Friend" as a fitting finale
"Come along my friend, come along, Get aboard and ride this train!
Nothing on this train to lose, everything to gain..."
Everyone then enjoyed a delish arvo tea supplied by the choir (and even a bit more jamming).
The arvo can best be described as FUN!!!! Serious Fun! Thank you to Talbarra and to all performers and audience members there.
Mayor Parker thanked us for giving her an afternoon of positive uplifting feelings - just what she needed. 'Tis our pleasure - what Freedom Train is all about.
NOW WE ARE THREEEEEEEEEE!
Freedom Train's THIRD birthday party was a huge success, lasting from 4pm till midnight.
There were delicious salads & pizza-making/cooking in the Robb's wood-fired pizza oven. We had kids bouncing on the trampoline, playing the piano (watch out for Hannah "Elton John" Robb) and dressing up in fun cossies from Hannah's dress-up box. They partied hard.
All enjoyed the yummy desserts and chocmudcake birthday cake, hours of singing & jamming (getting through a good wadge of our choir & uke club repertoire), loads of chatting and laughter.
As John said "It was just what the doctor ordered." Check out the pics on our choir's Facebook page.
Thanks to Maureen, Al and Hannah for opening their wonderful home to us and putting on the best singing/pizza party ever. You guys ROCK.
Thanks to you all who came along to join the fun and brought your much appreciated contributions.
SPECIAL thanks to all of you fabulous choir members (past & present) who have made our dream of a community choir come true and given each other the gift of three gorgeous years of riding the Freedom Train, a journey full of song, laughter and learning.
There were delicious salads & pizza-making/cooking in the Robb's wood-fired pizza oven. We had kids bouncing on the trampoline, playing the piano (watch out for Hannah "Elton John" Robb) and dressing up in fun cossies from Hannah's dress-up box. They partied hard.
All enjoyed the yummy desserts and chocmudcake birthday cake, hours of singing & jamming (getting through a good wadge of our choir & uke club repertoire), loads of chatting and laughter.
As John said "It was just what the doctor ordered." Check out the pics on our choir's Facebook page.
Thanks to Maureen, Al and Hannah for opening their wonderful home to us and putting on the best singing/pizza party ever. You guys ROCK.
Thanks to you all who came along to join the fun and brought your much appreciated contributions.
SPECIAL thanks to all of you fabulous choir members (past & present) who have made our dream of a community choir come true and given each other the gift of three gorgeous years of riding the Freedom Train, a journey full of song, laughter and learning.
Creating Harmony @ New Ground Fest
On Sat 30 April 2011 Freedom Train performed with sister choir Mixed Beans @ New Ground Festival @ Griffith Uni Logan Campus with fabulous didj player Johnny Briggs. See pics on Facebook here.
The choir's PA sound was excellent and they sang awesomely well, (especially considering they were singing acappella against the sound from the other stage across the campus!).
FT kicked off the set with Let It Go (John singing the solo) and the close-harmonies of Macedonian folk song "Shtomi E Milo" (with Karen & Jay dueting on the lead part).
Didj player Johnny Briggs & Mixed Beans multicultural choir then entered the stage to perform with FT the Yugambeh chant "Choongarrah" in a round, complete with the dance moves. Deadly! We were very honoured to sing with Johnny's didj - an awesome player and a wonderful bloke.
The combined choirs followed up with "Inanay", another beaut indigenous song (made famous in the 1990s by Tiddas), plus "One Heart Beating".
Jag Mistry of Mixed Beans then led us in Sanskrit chant "Shivayah", accompanied by bells, violin, & clapsticks. The big Finale was a African-American inspired gospel of "Come Along My Friend" which received a rapturous response.
The choir's PA sound was excellent and they sang awesomely well, (especially considering they were singing acappella against the sound from the other stage across the campus!).
FT kicked off the set with Let It Go (John singing the solo) and the close-harmonies of Macedonian folk song "Shtomi E Milo" (with Karen & Jay dueting on the lead part).
Didj player Johnny Briggs & Mixed Beans multicultural choir then entered the stage to perform with FT the Yugambeh chant "Choongarrah" in a round, complete with the dance moves. Deadly! We were very honoured to sing with Johnny's didj - an awesome player and a wonderful bloke.
The combined choirs followed up with "Inanay", another beaut indigenous song (made famous in the 1990s by Tiddas), plus "One Heart Beating".
Jag Mistry of Mixed Beans then led us in Sanskrit chant "Shivayah", accompanied by bells, violin, & clapsticks. The big Finale was a African-American inspired gospel of "Come Along My Friend" which received a rapturous response.
Live & Local, preparing for New Ground
Freedom Train had a ball performing a short set at the 101FM Live & Local Expo at Insports Metro Logan on Sat 19 March 2011 in the lead-up to their performance at new event New Ground Festival on 30 April.
The choir sang One Heart Beating, cool jazzy Nero's Expedition, Soweto Gospel Choir-inspired Thapelo & accompanied by uke-playing members (our uke debut) Morningtown Ride. Quite a varied set, beautifully sung with great joy!
All performances on the day were part of the build-up to an exciting new multicultural event being run by Dream It Up Ltd - New Ground Festival, 30 April 2011 at Griffith Uni's Logan Campus, which will showcase the region's rich diversity on two stages of music & dance, food & other cool stalls.
Freedom Train will perform at the New Ground Festival, alongside sister choir Mixed Beans multicultural choir and "parents", duo Mundy-Turner.
New Ground is set to be to Logan as Woodford Folk Festival is to Woodford and Bluesfest is to Byron. Be there at the very first one!! See web-link above for ticketing details.
The choir sang One Heart Beating, cool jazzy Nero's Expedition, Soweto Gospel Choir-inspired Thapelo & accompanied by uke-playing members (our uke debut) Morningtown Ride. Quite a varied set, beautifully sung with great joy!
All performances on the day were part of the build-up to an exciting new multicultural event being run by Dream It Up Ltd - New Ground Festival, 30 April 2011 at Griffith Uni's Logan Campus, which will showcase the region's rich diversity on two stages of music & dance, food & other cool stalls.
Freedom Train will perform at the New Ground Festival, alongside sister choir Mixed Beans multicultural choir and "parents", duo Mundy-Turner.
New Ground is set to be to Logan as Woodford Folk Festival is to Woodford and Bluesfest is to Byron. Be there at the very first one!! See web-link above for ticketing details.
Mary's 80th Birthday Bash!
Freedom Train & Mundy-Turner were honoured to be asked to perform for Mary Burke's 80th Birthday Bash on Sat 2 April 2011 at Palm Lake Retirement Village.
Mary (pictured here dancing with her daughters Marg & Tess) proudly says she is the choir's biggest fan & never misses a choir gig. She is also is mother & grandmother to founder choir members Marg & Natalie Oliver.
Congratulations Mary!! We'll see you at your 90th!!
Mary (pictured here dancing with her daughters Marg & Tess) proudly says she is the choir's biggest fan & never misses a choir gig. She is also is mother & grandmother to founder choir members Marg & Natalie Oliver.
Congratulations Mary!! We'll see you at your 90th!!
New Ukulele Club springboards from choir
Freedom Train member Celia has started the Logan Ukulele Club! I am thrilled we have been able to help, using the interest from choir members as a springboard.
The first meeting was Saturday 5 March at Logan Village was a great success with our learning advancing at an amazing rate in the group environment.
Songs we covered in the first session:
Morningtown Ride (G, G7, D, Em, C, Am)
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot (C, G, G7, D)
Amazing Grace (in the key of G - G, C, D or D7, Em, and then in the key of C - C, F, G7, Am)
Don't Worry, Be Happy (Dm, F, C)
Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What a Wonderful World (C, F, G, Am, E7)
Take Me Home, Country Roads (C, Am, G, F, G7)
Hotel California (Am, Dm, G, F, E7, C, D)
The uke club's first performance will be merged with Freedom Train's gig at 101FM's Live & Local Expo on 19 March, on the choir's version of Morningtown Ride accompanied by uke-playing choir members.
Logan Ukulele Club will meet again on the first Sat or Sunday of every month (depending on what's going on).
So next meeting is Sun 3 April (FT has a gig on 2 April, in which will be performing our "second" debut on ukuleles!). Contact Celia through this website if you're interested in joining.
The first meeting was Saturday 5 March at Logan Village was a great success with our learning advancing at an amazing rate in the group environment.
Songs we covered in the first session:
Morningtown Ride (G, G7, D, Em, C, Am)
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot (C, G, G7, D)
Amazing Grace (in the key of G - G, C, D or D7, Em, and then in the key of C - C, F, G7, Am)
Don't Worry, Be Happy (Dm, F, C)
Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What a Wonderful World (C, F, G, Am, E7)
Take Me Home, Country Roads (C, Am, G, F, G7)
Hotel California (Am, Dm, G, F, E7, C, D)
The uke club's first performance will be merged with Freedom Train's gig at 101FM's Live & Local Expo on 19 March, on the choir's version of Morningtown Ride accompanied by uke-playing choir members.
Logan Ukulele Club will meet again on the first Sat or Sunday of every month (depending on what's going on).
So next meeting is Sun 3 April (FT has a gig on 2 April, in which will be performing our "second" debut on ukuleles!). Contact Celia through this website if you're interested in joining.
Chrissy Gigs a Cracker!
Freedom Train brought the joy of song to the festive season in three free community events during Dec 2010:
* Chatswood Hills State School Christmas Concert - pretty full-on gig with all the kids making rather a lot of noise (see my blog entry about that Chatswood Chatter) but amazing sound from the choir.
* "A Freedom Train Christmas" @ Talbarra RSL Care, with the Pridham Dance Duo & singing from duo Mundy-Turner also on the bill - a fab show, packed out crowd who loved every minute and enjoyed an arvo tea supplied by the generous choir members. This is one of the ways we thank our venue sponsor Talbarra for hosting our rehearsals during the year.
* Christmas in the Village in Tamborine Village Memorial Hall - during a torrential downpour but wow, we sang it up with such a gospel groove that was totally infectious.
Good play Freedom Train - looking forward to more fun performance with you in future.
* Chatswood Hills State School Christmas Concert - pretty full-on gig with all the kids making rather a lot of noise (see my blog entry about that Chatswood Chatter) but amazing sound from the choir.
* "A Freedom Train Christmas" @ Talbarra RSL Care, with the Pridham Dance Duo & singing from duo Mundy-Turner also on the bill - a fab show, packed out crowd who loved every minute and enjoyed an arvo tea supplied by the generous choir members. This is one of the ways we thank our venue sponsor Talbarra for hosting our rehearsals during the year.
* Christmas in the Village in Tamborine Village Memorial Hall - during a torrential downpour but wow, we sang it up with such a gospel groove that was totally infectious.
Good play Freedom Train - looking forward to more fun performance with you in future.
Ferrones Fun Night Out
Fri 26 Nov: Freedom Train members celebrated singing through 2010 together with our annual dinner out. This year we didn't catch a show as well. Instead, WE were the show.
Our venue: Ferrones! Ferrones is a marvellous little Italian Restaurant in Springwood with cosy faux Roman ambience, excellent personalised service and "way too much" scrummy food!!
The added magic came with the singalong/karaoke session which had us all cantare-ing at the tops of our voices & dancing the night away to oodles of fun hits, both old & not so old.
Just about everyone took a turn at the mic, even the youngest folks, Nat & Hannah, who did a gorgeous job of Abba's Mama Mia and Dancing Queen. Steve & Mary lit up the dance floor with great jiving & swirling skirts (and that was just Steve) and nearly all of us did the Time Warp - again.
At midnight, we said Buona Notte; well and truly exhausted, yet happy!
Thanks to all who came and joined in the fun and thanks to Ferrones for doing a great job. To quote one "gregarious" choir member - it was "an absolutely AWESOME night."
Check out the full Photo Album on this site's Multimedia page.
Our venue: Ferrones! Ferrones is a marvellous little Italian Restaurant in Springwood with cosy faux Roman ambience, excellent personalised service and "way too much" scrummy food!!
The added magic came with the singalong/karaoke session which had us all cantare-ing at the tops of our voices & dancing the night away to oodles of fun hits, both old & not so old.
Just about everyone took a turn at the mic, even the youngest folks, Nat & Hannah, who did a gorgeous job of Abba's Mama Mia and Dancing Queen. Steve & Mary lit up the dance floor with great jiving & swirling skirts (and that was just Steve) and nearly all of us did the Time Warp - again.
At midnight, we said Buona Notte; well and truly exhausted, yet happy!
Thanks to all who came and joined in the fun and thanks to Ferrones for doing a great job. To quote one "gregarious" choir member - it was "an absolutely AWESOME night."
Check out the full Photo Album on this site's Multimedia page.
Freedom Train Celebrates 2 Years
Freedom Train community choir celebrated 2 years in song performing a free concert, followed by afternoon tea, on Sun 1 August, 2pm, at Talbarra RSL Care in Waterford.
Choir director Cath Mundy told Freedom Train members in the online choir Forum, "What a beautiful performance on Sunday - the sound and the energy were of a very high vibration!! I felt that the souls of both audience and the choir were uplifted in the most meaningful way. I received such positive comments from people, telling me to let you how fabulous you were, Freedom Train! Well done all on a concert that nurtured the spirits of all who were present. You reached a new level. Happy 2nd Birthday!"
It was great to have a huge turnout with Talbarra residents & staff, choir family, friends and supporters. Collin Sivalingum, President of Woodlands Community Inc was there and Evan Moorhead, State Member for Waterford. Logan Mayor Pam Parker sent her apologies and an encouraging message:
"Hi Cath, Jay and Team, wish I could be with you on these occasions, but know I am in spirit and I am so proud of you all for the joy you bring to others through your music and positive warm attitude to life. Fondest wishes to all always - Pam xx"
Thanks to all who were attended and/or sent well wishes for Freedom Train's birthday.
We would like to thank Freedom Train's generous sponsors (below) and all our gorgeous Members both past & present. Your positive input to the choir is much appreciated!
* The Mayor Pam Parker's Community Benefit Fund (through Woodlands Community Inc): for uniforms, banner and mics
* Ray Cash Photography for wonderful poster photos
* Talbarra RSL Care for donation of our rehearsal venue in 2010
* Eliza Leahy for our fab steam train logo
Choir director Cath Mundy told Freedom Train members in the online choir Forum, "What a beautiful performance on Sunday - the sound and the energy were of a very high vibration!! I felt that the souls of both audience and the choir were uplifted in the most meaningful way. I received such positive comments from people, telling me to let you how fabulous you were, Freedom Train! Well done all on a concert that nurtured the spirits of all who were present. You reached a new level. Happy 2nd Birthday!"
It was great to have a huge turnout with Talbarra residents & staff, choir family, friends and supporters. Collin Sivalingum, President of Woodlands Community Inc was there and Evan Moorhead, State Member for Waterford. Logan Mayor Pam Parker sent her apologies and an encouraging message:
"Hi Cath, Jay and Team, wish I could be with you on these occasions, but know I am in spirit and I am so proud of you all for the joy you bring to others through your music and positive warm attitude to life. Fondest wishes to all always - Pam xx"
Thanks to all who were attended and/or sent well wishes for Freedom Train's birthday.
We would like to thank Freedom Train's generous sponsors (below) and all our gorgeous Members both past & present. Your positive input to the choir is much appreciated!
* The Mayor Pam Parker's Community Benefit Fund (through Woodlands Community Inc): for uniforms, banner and mics
* Ray Cash Photography for wonderful poster photos
* Talbarra RSL Care for donation of our rehearsal venue in 2010
* Eliza Leahy for our fab steam train logo
Making Music Being Well "Singing Extravaganza"
Three community choirs combined to lift the roof at Ellaways Music Auditorium in Underwood on Saturday 22 May as part of Making Music Being Well week.
Organised by John Rodriquez of Singchronicity, supported by Ellaways Music, and opened by Logan Mayor Pam Parker, the day featured performances by Waterford-based Freedom Train community choir, Mixed Beans multicultural choir from Beenleigh (both under the direction of Cath Mundy), and Morningsong from Bulimba (led by Jane Bektel).
The three groups combined for a joyous Finale singing Israeli song Peace Forever and energetic Kenyan chant Apondi led by Mixed Beans member Blaise Mukendi.
Mayor Pam Parker, who is also patron to both Freedom Train & Mixed Beans, congratulated all the singers on a highly enjoyable morning of sharing through song.
After lunch, event organiser John Rodriquez led over 30 people in his Sing for Joy "playshop" which was thoroughly enjoyed. Many thanks to John Rodriquez for organising the day, and to Greg Dodge & Ellaways Music for the venue and Mayor Parker for her support and enthusiasm.
Let's keep making music and being well.. wonderful!!
Organised by John Rodriquez of Singchronicity, supported by Ellaways Music, and opened by Logan Mayor Pam Parker, the day featured performances by Waterford-based Freedom Train community choir, Mixed Beans multicultural choir from Beenleigh (both under the direction of Cath Mundy), and Morningsong from Bulimba (led by Jane Bektel).
The three groups combined for a joyous Finale singing Israeli song Peace Forever and energetic Kenyan chant Apondi led by Mixed Beans member Blaise Mukendi.
Mayor Pam Parker, who is also patron to both Freedom Train & Mixed Beans, congratulated all the singers on a highly enjoyable morning of sharing through song.
After lunch, event organiser John Rodriquez led over 30 people in his Sing for Joy "playshop" which was thoroughly enjoyed. Many thanks to John Rodriquez for organising the day, and to Greg Dodge & Ellaways Music for the venue and Mayor Parker for her support and enthusiasm.
Let's keep making music and being well.. wonderful!!
Mayor Parker visits Freedom Train
Mon 19 April 2010
Freedom Train community choir played host for a second time to Logan City Mayor Pam Parker, the choir's generous sponsor and enthusiastic supporter.
Choir leader Cath Mundy reported, "Mayor Parker was pretty blown away by the talent in the room. She found it hard to believe that about half the choir members had not sung at all or much before joining Freedom Train. Last time she visited we'd been together for 3 sessions, and she loved the sound then! This visit, Mayor Parker could really hear the progress made and how far the choir had come in such a short space of time. I am really proud of them."
In 2008, Mayor Parker offered Freedom Train a $2000 Community Benefit grant towards choir equipment (which funded the choir uniform of hand-dyed silk sarongs, a banner and special choir mics for amplified performances).
Cath Mundy added, "The choir are very grateful for this generosity and ongoing encouragement. It's wonderful to see a local politician supporting grass-roots community arts and cultural activities in the region. Thank you Mayor Parker."
Freedom Train community choir played host for a second time to Logan City Mayor Pam Parker, the choir's generous sponsor and enthusiastic supporter.
Choir leader Cath Mundy reported, "Mayor Parker was pretty blown away by the talent in the room. She found it hard to believe that about half the choir members had not sung at all or much before joining Freedom Train. Last time she visited we'd been together for 3 sessions, and she loved the sound then! This visit, Mayor Parker could really hear the progress made and how far the choir had come in such a short space of time. I am really proud of them."
In 2008, Mayor Parker offered Freedom Train a $2000 Community Benefit grant towards choir equipment (which funded the choir uniform of hand-dyed silk sarongs, a banner and special choir mics for amplified performances).
Cath Mundy added, "The choir are very grateful for this generosity and ongoing encouragement. It's wonderful to see a local politician supporting grass-roots community arts and cultural activities in the region. Thank you Mayor Parker."
Live & Local Expo Joy
- 20 March 2010: Freedom Train had a ball performing their first gig for the year at the Live and Local Expo, 20 March 2010, on the Ellaways Stage. The event took place at the Metro Indoor Sports Centre, 357 Browns Plains Rd, Crestmead. The Waterford-based group sang their own set as well as joining with Beenleigh's Mixed Beans multicultural choir for 2 numbers. Rapturous responses from the enthusiastic marquee crowd!!