The Big Spring Sing 2026

Health | Games | Harmony

🌺 Vocal Workshop 🌺

Singing. Expressing. Playing. Harmonising... all such important ingredients for a wonderful life of emotional liberation and self-expression

Breaking Inhibitions: by choosing to "take up sonic space" and embrace imperfection, we can overcome the fear of being heard, which builds resilience and self-assurance that carries over into other parts of your life
Identity Reclamation: singing helps retrieve a "lost" part of ourselves, strengthening our sense of identity and purpose
Powerful Life Benefits: singing is a powerful form of vocal expression that transforms how we communicate and process life. It goes beyond standard speech, utilizing dynamics, pitch, and tone to convey complex emotions, tell stories, and foster deep connections with ourselves and others

🌺 But, how does your voice work? 🌺

Enjoy a fascinating, educational, invigorating, informative, inspirational and fun Sunday afternoon of learning about and exploring your voice, and of course singing in harmony

Bring a water bottle and layers of clothing
Welcome to bring healthy snack to share at breaktime
NEW - Optional seating available up the front

These vocal workshops run each school holidays so we all have something extra to look forward to throughout the years

Vocal Health:

Want to sing with freedom instead of feeling strained, airy, or tired?

Want to develop a greater appreciation and love of your voice?

🌺We will explore how the singing voice works, including techniques and tools to extend your vocal skills and stamina

Vocal Games:

Want to explore your voice within a playful structure?

Want to connect with others in a fun way?

🌺We will play vocal and rhythmic games to enjoy self expression and connection

Vocal Harmony:

Want to drop into the moment?

Want to experience the oneness of participating in harmony singing?

🌺We will sing in delightful 3 part harmony

Unity and Connection: "When you sing with a group of people, you learn to vibrate with them on the same frequency. The ego dissolves, and the group becomes one single, living, breathing instrument." — Anonymous
Mental Health: "We are biologically wired to sing together. It releases endorphins, reduces stress, and instantly bonds us to the people around us." — Dr. Julene Johnson (Cognitive Neuroscientist)
The Joy of Harmony: "There is a magic in harmonizing with others. It teaches us that our differences, when aligned, can create something far more beautiful than we could ever make by ourselves." — Anonymous
Community: "To sing together is to stand shoulder to shoulder, acknowledging our common humanity and lifting each other up with the simple power of the human voice." — John Rutter (Composer)
The Shared Experience: "The human voice is the only instrument we all possess. Singing with others connects you to a collective heartbeat, bypassing words and speaking directly to the soul." — Anonymous

🌺Video:

Here is a 1 minute video from 'The Big Winter Sing 2026':

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XJ3afxPSo8E

🌺Testimonials:

“So much fun, so many happy people. Like pub choir but in a beautiful serene setting, thanks for making it happen Nadine!” - Catriona

“You did an amazing job leading the workshop. You’re incredible - such stamina, energy and skill!!!” - Vikki Davey

“'The Big Winter Sing 2026' was a wonderful thing. It felt safe, fun and inclusive. It was perfect for people of any level of experience with singing. From the moment it began the group shared a note and held it and found resonance, the energy in the room lifted as we connected through something simple yet powerful. Highly recommend this event. I'll be back, I loved it so much." - Sandy Johnston

“Thank you such much Nadine Joy, it was so lovely reconnecting with my voice and friends.” - Sandy Dickinson

"So fun singing harmonies and vocal tips too." - Nanette

“Well done today! Thank you so much for your energy and for spreading love and kindness through music and song. Blessings.” - Lucy V

“Thanks so much for today. You really are so talented and skilled in your harmony arrangements and teaching. A generous sharing of technique too. Congratulations on a wonderful first workshop. Clearly there’s a crowd of folks who are keen to learn and sing together for future events!” - Lisa Singline

🌺About the host:

https://www.facebook.com/nadine.joy.3/

Nadine Joy, Adv. Dip. Music (Performance)
Singer | Choir Leader | Music Educator | Performer

With almost 30 years of experience in the music industry, Nadine Joy is a seasoned performer, educator, and group singing leader known for her dynamic presence and deep commitment to community music-making. A passionate advocate for music as a tool for connection and wellbeing, she has led a wide range of vocal ensembles, including the Jazz Choir at The Gordon TAFE and the volunteer group Angels of Joy. She is the creative force behind Finely Weathered Friends, where she serves as arranger, teacher, and performer, and a member of Nothing But Treble, playing bass uke, both groups are three-part harmony trios. She is also co-hosting In Her Words - concerts supporting local female singer songwriters with Cheryl Hann-Woodlock.

A dedicated educator, Nadine teaches individual lessons in voice, ukulele and piano accompaniment at Geelong Grammar School (both Timbertop and Corio campuses), Belmont High School, and in private lessons. She has taught at The Gordon Jazz Course and is skilled in teaching jazz vocals, aural training, and has taught generations of singing students throughout her career.

Nadine has performed extensively across genres, from lead vocalist in the French gypsy jazz band Hot Club Swing to folk and theatre, and has contributed to several recordings, including Douce Ambiance (Hot Club Swing), Up In Lights (Acabellas), Burn Your Little Red Wagon (Big Bag Band), and Underwater Butterflies with Tiffany Eckhardt. A songwriter since 1994, she has written, arranged, taught, and shared many beautiful, comforting, inspiring and quirky originals.

Nadine holds an Advanced Diploma in Music Performance (Jazz), a Diploma in Vocational Education and Training Practice, and Grade 8 Modern Singing (ANZCA). She brings a vibrant mix of artistry, leadership, and warmth to every project, is passionate about bringing people together through music, and is eager to contribute to community-based projects in both leadership and participant roles.

🌺About the venue:

The Monastery in Breakwater (45-49 Tanner St, Geelong) is a beautifully converted former church used as a versatile, non-denominational spiritual haven. It functions as a gorgeous retreat setting that offers mindful community workshops

Contact the host of The Big Spring Sing 2026. Health, Games, Harmony. Vocal Workshop