Singer Natalie Gillespie (top left) leads the FAC Yeah! Community Choir. Photos by Miles Noel photography

A NEW community choir  is taking Fremantle by storm with up to 120 people attending fortnightly sing-alongs at the Fremantle Arts Centre.

Launched in February, the FAC Yeah! Community Choir belts out classics like Be my Baby by The Ronettes, and is a friendly social event for singers of all abilities.

The motley crew is led by the charismatic and irrepressible Natalie Gillespie, one of Perth’s leading soul singer/songwriters.

“I have run a therapeutic women’s choir for over five years and have seen the extraordinary benefits of mental health when one engages with their voice,” Gillespie says.

“When the choir is in the zone, it can feel quite emotional and seem like something very beautiful is happening.

“It is quite the pleasure and privilege to watch people singing.”

Recent songs tackled by the choir include You to me are Everything by The Real Thing, Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley, and Hymn to Her by The Pretenders. 

Gillespie says it’s not about technical ability or becoming a better singer – it’s about having fun.

“I don’t necessarily believe people become better singers each week as that’s entirely subjective and up to the individual; however, I have witnessed folks becoming more comfortable, confident and joyful as they continue to come each fortnight,” she says.

The choir is part of a push by the Fremantle Arts Centre to become a community hub and a multi-purpose venue outside of events and exhibitions.

Last year FAC launched the innovative nightime Leave the Lights On, which combined DJs, art, partying and performance. 

The next community choir will be at 7pm on Tuesday (June 7) at Fremantle Town Hall.

FAC are trialling holding the singalong at the town hall during winter, so check out the FAC! Yeah Facebook page for all the latest venue info – https://m.facebook.com/events/258544239738677

By STEPHEN POLLOCK