It was her love of music that inspired her to the learn art of singing during her days as a nurse. Her first singing lessons were conducted the old fashioned way, Rosemary described.

“I just had a hunger, I wanted to sing. I use to sing in a church choir in Sydney.

“I originally started singing lessons when I was nursing in Glen Innes from a sister in a convent,” Rosemary explained.

“If you wanted to learn how to sing or play the piano you went to see someone teaching in a convent. It happened in most country towns right through till around 20 years ago.”

Although she began taking lessons, Rosemary had been involved in singing activities throughout her life. She had singing roles in school and town musicals and was active within her local choir. She joined the Tenterfield Choir, known now as ‘Pitching Tents’.

“A group of us used to sing together and we wanted to sing as a choir. We got great enjoyment out of singing together,” Rosemary said.

“It’s surprising the number of people who do sing. Unless we have a choir, people stay isolated. It’s a good way to keep fit and well, plus it good for mental stimulation.”

The choir is an opportunity for Rosemary to come together with other people who share her passion for music. She describes it as providing a feeling of comeraderie between singers. On a personal level, singing and playing the piano lets her express emotions that she does not have words for. Rosemary even remembers when her mother could tell how she was feeling through the music she was producing.

“My mother even knew what mood I was in by the way I was playing the piano,” Rosemary laughed.

“I think it applies to most people. It is a very personal thing.

“It’s never been easy for me. I was naughty as a teen, reluctant to practice, but then needed to go back and learn for technical development.”

Rosemary now teaches piano to a group of 14 students and regularly tests their singing abilities. She said some students are reluctant to sing but there is a lot of talent within the group.

“A little one has a two octave range. I start them with breathing and singing exercises. It helps with sleep apnea and develops muscles and the soft pallet in the throat,” Rosemary said.

“It is noticeable though that some kids listen to pop singers who have poor technique and want to emulate that.”

This desire, Rosemary says, causes children to only utilise the lower range of their voices and does not exercise the higher ranges. Rosemary continues to pass on what she learnt to her students, but also acknowledges other good uses for singing.

“Singing is used for diversional therapy at hospitals,” Rosemary said.

“Even people with stroke can still often sing. If there is a good strong beat, they will respond to that.

“Ageing people lose a lot of senses, but music is something that seems to start early in life and they lose later.”

As life moves along so does the styles of music and the way it is produced. Being classically schooled and trained, Rosemary is noticing the differences in popular styles of music.

“Music has changed and is changing so much, even the way classics are being taught,” she said.

One hundred years ago there were limited ways of reproducing music compared to what technology available today. Rosemary said that this was a big change from the days when music was only sourced from groups like choirs or those who were lucky enough to own pianos and could play. But one thing has still remained the same.

“Singing is the one thing that has always been there,” Rosemary said.

“You don’t need to have a brilliant voice to join a choir.”

People are always welcome to come and try out their singing voice with the Pitching Tents choir. Meets are held on Tuesday nights at 7pm in the St Mary’s Hall.

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