The vines are alive with the sound of music

The temperature in Stanthorpe may be dropping, but the musically-inclined can warm up their vocal chords in style at the second McGregor in the Vines workshop on May 15 and May 16.

Following the success of the inaugural McGregor in the Vines Creative Writing workshop in April, the second item in the series, a Choral Workshop, promises to tantalise the senses.

Presented by USQ Associate Dean of Arts and Senior Lecturer, Dr Rhoderick McNeill, the workshop will provide practical advice on producing quality classical choral music.

'This workshop is designed for people who love choral music, have the ability to sing in tune and can preferably read music notation,' Dr McNeill said.

'We will rehearse a short program of pieces – possibly with some 16th century material and Latin music – that we will take from a reading stage to performance over the weekend.

'The preparation will be almost entirely acapella (without any supporting instruments) with a focus on voice production, breathing techniques, pitching, blending and various other methods to improve singing ability.'

Dr McNeill has extensive experience as a chorister in the National Boys’ Choir, Melbourne Youth Choir, Tudor Choristers and many other choirs and as a director of university choirs in Indonesia and Australia.

A trained classical singer, he has also composed and arranged music for choirs and is the Principal Examiner for Theory and Musicianship for AMEB Queensland.

An expansion of the University’s popular McGregor Schools program, McGregor in the Vines gives participants the opportunity to explore their creativity during a two-day getaway.

Set in the lush vineyards and a landscaped ground of the Queensland College of Wine Tourism in Stanthorpe, the event is a collaborative effort between the College and USQ Artsworx, USQ’s School of Creative Arts, and the University’s School of Humanities and Communication.
McGregor in the Vines coordinator Christine Matthews said the final workshop in Archaeology would be held in September this year.

'All three workshops are run by talented USQ lecturers who have expertise and experience in their chosen field.

'They are designed to particularly appeal to professionals, couples and retirees who want to enjoy a picturesque weekend away while at the same time expanding their knowledge.'

Each weekend covers a full day on Saturday and a half day on Sunday, with the option to attend a two-hour wine appreciation course at the College at the conclusion of the workshop.

The College is located at 22 Caves Road, Stanthorpe in the high country of south-east Queensland. About two and a half hours south west of Brisbane and 1015m above sea level, it is blessed with fresh air, cool nights, log fires and sunny days. There are over 50 wineries in the region along with stone fruit, berry and lavender growers.

Registrations for the Choral Workshop close this Friday, May 7.

For more information on McGregor in the Vines and to register for the workshops, visit http://www.usq.edu.au/mcgregor/vines or telephone USQ McGregor Schools on +61 7 4631 2755.