Sing Australia's theme for this year is 'Plus One', and the Wangaratta group is encouraging its members to bring someone along to Wednesday evening practice sessions to experience the joy of group singing.

The local Sing Australia group is one of more than 60 across Australia which meet to enjoy what the organisation describes as "a primal expression connecting us to each other, our history, our stories, our struggles, our memories and our future hopes", in a gathering where "every voice in cherished".

The organisation says studies have shown that singing releases endorphins that can inject energy and lower stress levels, and that singing together contributes to the experience of wellbeing, social inclusion and connection.

Sing Australia Wangaratta is inviting local people of all ages to share an evening or two with the group and see if it fits their needs.

Song books are provided, and the first three attendances are free, after which a low-cost membership is available.

The group meets on Wednesdays between 7.30pm and 9pm in school terms at Purbrick Hall, located next to Holy Trinity Cathedral, on the corner of Docker and Ovens Streets.

All are welcome, and there is no expectation of singing ability; the group says if you can say, 'Hello, how are you', then you will fit in perfectly to a gathering which aims to share the satisfaction of singing together as a community - the more voices, the greater the sound.

The local group is also seeking a casual fill-in conductor and a keyboard player, offering the chance for new people with some music background to learn the skills required to fill these roles.

This year's Plus One project has been initiated by Sing Australia's new owner and director, Charles Miller, who recently took the reins from Colin Slater.

Colin developed the concept 40 years ago, and despite the havoc of the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation has managed to retain more than half of its groups and their members.

The first half of this year involved 11 regional gatherings across the nation, allowing a poignant and personal farewell to Colin from many of Sing Australia's 2500 members, and the chance to introduce Charles, who is based in Canberra but has connections and familiarity with North East Victoria and Southern NSW.

The local regional gathering was held in Albury, and was attended by members from Wangaratta, Hay, Deniliquin, Corowa and Albury/Wodonga.

During the event, life memberships acknowledging long and dedicated service were presented to Yelly Evehuis from Albury, and Wangaratta members Keith Fleet and Sarah-Ann Holmes-Brown.

Keith was a founding member in Wangaratta and has been a great communicator and networker for the local group, while Sarah-Ann is an accomplished and enthusiastic conductor of many years' experience.

Being part of Sing Australia creates opportunities to share in regional as well as national gatherings, and domestic and international tours, all of which incorporate fun and showcase group singing.

For more information about Sing Australia Wangaratta, contact Cheryl Hoysted on 0419 005 062 (please leave your name and a message, or SMS).

For more information about Sing Australia, visit www.singaustralia.com.au