Elliot Peck hit the right note when he started the new Slapdash community choir last year, with 80 people signing up for six weeks of classes in the Excelsior Hall at Thirroul Library.

“I was blown away by how many people turned out to have a crack at singing together – 80 voices raised in song together really is an enormous sound,” Elliot said.

A speech pathologist who lives in Austinmer, Elliot said singing has always been a big part of his own life. “Some of my earliest memories are singing in harmony on long car trips or around a campfire,” he said. “I think the feeling that you get from singing with others is really special and it’s something I’m always seeking out.

“I think singing is something that really makes you feel good in a way that’s quite unlike anything else. There’s lots of fancy science behind that; nervous system regulations and reducing cortisone levels and so on but, long story short, singing in a choir feels amazing and that’s something I felt like we were lacking in the Illawarra.”

He’s had lots of positive feedback, with the choir’s name revealing its appeal.

“Often committing to a choir can be a big buy-in, with lots of rehearsing and practicing your part at home, and asks a lot of people. But I wanted to create something that was a little more impromptu and organic and participatory, something a bit slapdash!

“I really do think in our modern lives of connecting online so much, we lose the connection and sense of belonging that comes with community. Slapdash has been an amazing way to meet new people and really feel a part of something!

In 2025, Elliot would like even more people to join. The choir will return on January 22 for a six-week term, meeting on Wednesday evenings at 7pm. “Absolutely everyone is welcome to join in, we have folks from age 15 to 80 with all sorts of backgrounds and often little to no experience.”

Look up Slapdash Choir on Google or Instagram to find links to tickets. Email questions to elliotp2321@gmail.com