In a sign of the Let’s Find Our Voice concert’s benefit to the community, Benalla’s Irene Erskine submitted this article on the annual event.
What a joy it was to have the privilege, as a community member, to participate in this wonderful initiative.
Obviously, many, many hours of preparation went into this ‘dream’ before the Year 7 students were even approached to join the choir.
Cathy Burton saw the big picture and what was achievable.
With her persistence and encouragement, she managed to enable the students to believe in themselves and they worked incredibly hard to realise her dream, which gradually became their reality.
Her dedication was second to none. Without Cathy, the final concerts and the beautiful film would not have eventuated.
She was most definitely the motivator, the ‘linchpin’ and has my greatest admiration.
To have Adam Toms work alongside her must have been a huge support. His musical and technical talents were amazing.
Christine Knight’s contribution was the ‘icing on the cake’.
She crafted an excellent film which took everyone on an emotional journey and captured the essence of what ‘Let’s Find Our Voice’ is about.
No-one was excluded from participation. If a community member wished to join in, they were made more than welcome – no auditioning, no need to be anyone but yourself.
Cathy expected nothing short of excellence and knew without a shadow of a doubt that the final product would be show stopping. It was.
She was an encourager and Adam’s support and belief in the choir’s success and added encouragement were always evident.
Both teachers were calm and joyful at all times. Not easy with such a ‘mixed bunch’ of choir members whose ages ranged from 4 to 93.
We weren’t all confident, especially at the start.
It has to be remembered that all the hours Cathy and Adam put in were over and above their normal teaching hours.
Also, it has to be mentioned that Cathy and Adam were supported by many other FCJ staff members who worked behind the scenes.
FCJ’s Year 7 students will have a memory to cherish always.
I hope it enables them to know that if you want to succeed in any endeavour, know that you can and never give up. Your best will always be good enough.
I’m so thankful that I was encouraged to be a part of Let’s Find Our voice 2024.
I have the greatest admiration for the students and staff of FCJ and will always be grateful for a life-changing experience.
Memorable moments for me were when I saw the pride in the face of the college principal as each new step in production was achieved.
Especially moving was the awe on his face when he saw the first viewing of the film.
Well done, Cathy. Well done, Adam. Well done to all the fine musicians. Well done Christine Knight.
Especially well done, to all the students who were willing to ‘have a go’ and who so lovingly embraced the community members they were partnered with.
I had a blast. So did my beautiful four-year-old granddaughter, Natalie. Thank you for including her so lovingly.
– Irene Erskine