Aim - To develop personal abilities with close vocal harmonies of varying degrees of difficulty, and to produce a satisfactory blend of voices up to and beyond a standard deemed suitable for public performance. Style/genre – A mixture of contemporary pop, blues, musical theatre and classical repertoire. Membership - By advertising for particular voice type (SATB) and/or by invitation to audition from the group leader(s). An invitation to audition does not automatically mean admission to the group. Group size - Eight to twelve people only and as a maximum. To be reviewed on a periodical basis at the behest of the group leader(s). Rehearsals - Weekly for 7.00 pm on a night best suited to all group members. The location of rehearsals will be decided upon by group members as required. Forward thinking and straightforward talking is encouraged between all members of the group. Performances - Group initiated performances will be held as and when the situation and repertoire allow. Invitation from external parties to perform at other functions /events will be considered by the group as a whole. En Canto as part of Performing Arts Goondiwindi are members of ANCA.
FORMING - Late November 2006 by Paddy Martin, Benita Klowss & Sandy Wolfenden. They identified a need for a small ensemble of a high standard, and at the time there was a willingness of suitable participants to form a group. Th group formed February 3rd 2007. Weeks of group discussion ensued to select a name. “En Canto” means “in/with song”.
STORMING – Throughout 2007 the group took time to get to know each other, both musically and on a personal level to ensure we had a cohesive, tight knit group. During this time we ensured we had a good blend of voices that harmonised effectively together. This was achieved through a good mix of hard work and social gatherings. We asked the question “Are we singing group with a drinking problem, or a drinking group with a singing problem??!!”
NORMING - By 2009, Encanto were settled in their rehearsal habits and repertoire choices. Able to learn a consistent amount of repertoire each year with the aim of supporting the Goondiwindi Apex Eisteddfod and performing at other events as requested.
PERFORMING - Encanto, now in it’s fifteenth year in 2022, is an ensemble whose reputation proceeds them. We strive to ensure enjoyment is at the forefront of our rehearsals and our long history of of open communication and socialisation supports our group bond and cohesive sound. We continue to learn exciting & challenging repertoire, whilst periodically going through rebuild phases (storming/norming), due to the transient nature of the workforce in our small regional community.