MADJITIL MOORNA
With growing awareness of the gap in opportunity between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians, members of Zig Zag Community Arts Inc in 2006 began a project which has become Madjitil Moorna – Magical Bush Sounds.
This all-ages community choir sings indigenous music, led by award-winning indigenous musicians Della Rae Morrison and Jessie Lloyd. Singing both traditional songs in language and contemporary songs of love, loss and joy, the group has been winning over audiences since their first performance in 2006.
‘Their spirited performance was outstanding and a credit to the musical directors…’ His Excellency, Dr Ken Michael AC, October 2007
There is a great deal of interest in the choir because of its potential as a catalyst for positive health outcomes and reconciliation. Over 50 singers of all ages and racial backgrounds sing weekly to maintain and improve personal health and wellbeing.
As one of the indigenous singers put it: ‘Singing with Madjitil Moorna has made my spirit soar and my heart sing and my body tingle when the vibrations of our music and singing is in perfect harmony – I am alive in every cell.’
While many of the singers feel this choir gives them a chance to do something wonderful for themselves they believe that by singing they can contribute to positive change for indigenous people and for our society as a whole. We believe it is a powerful vehicle for reconciliation. Another indigenous member wrote, ‘….the choir has the ability to move so many people and spread the message of reconciliation far more effectively than any other method.’
It was a precious moment for all of us but in particular the indigenous singers whose pride in their culture was affirmed and strengthened.
on the Perth International Festival stage on the Esplanade
for the National Apology on 13 February 2008
Madjitil Moorna is driven in part by performance invitations. Just a few days before our final performance in 2007, the choir was seen by an Aboriginal elder from the Kimberley – a woman who is very involved with others in trying to address the issues that beset her town and the surrounding communities. It was her hope that Madjitil Moorna might be able to come up to the Kimberley and teach families songs of hope and love and reconciliation. This wish became one of our goals. There was a lot of work to do to make it happen but we were confident of people’s support and we were inspired!
Practice Session in Forestfield Madjitil Moorna In Performance in Midland
It’s been
quite a year….the busiest yet. Apart from the extraordinary week
in Halls Creek for many of us, we have performed or sung together 40
times. This means a lot of extra positive energy going out into
the world! Workshops at St Brigids College, Langford Aboriginal
Association,
The late
inclusion of I Am Australian
with its Noongar language chorus has been a real hit, with dozens of
new people having a go at pronouncing Noongar words for the first time.
There is a real interest in building understanding through exploring
the language that was first spoken in this amazing SW corner of WA….
Noongar Country. We are very proud to be part of it.
MDs
When our
Della Rae joined our Jessie in
When MM
returns to Halls Creek in May 2010, all 3 MDs are likely to be in the
crew. All this talent will make an enormous impact on the community who
now know what to expect! The draft documentary has now been seen by
hundreds of Halls Creek families and everyone really likes it. In fact
the kids want to see it over and over. Once it’s trimmed and
ready for public viewing, you will be invited to a big screening, maybe
in March. (If anyone knows of a suitable venue or can help us to
maximize funds raised at this do, we’d love to have some help with
this. All funds will help to get MM to HC for a week in May.)
Special
mention goes to several people who have helped to keep MM strong. Our
Aboriginal members are incredibly important. They guide us as we go
forward; find common ground; discuss differences; learn about language
and cultures and laugh a lot (and cry too). Aunty Karl is a rock.
Like the river rocks that she gives to audience members at many of our
gigs, she is constant, smooth and colourful (no, I didn’t say ‘dotty’!)
Pauline and Moira are always keen to put MM first when necessary
and their admin help is really appreciated. In fact all of the
singers give freely of themselves and are a wonderful bunch o’ people.
So many contributions have added to the strength of MM.
Supporters like Kerry Fletcher and Doreen Green add enormous
value…..and there are So Many more….
every good wish for 2010.
CheersJo
Poster
Link to higher resolution PDF version 780k)
Halls Creek Poster
Poster for Respect Yourself Respect your Culture Concert in Halls Creek
Press Cuttings
Above: Kalamunda Reporter 29 April 2009
Above: Echo, Page 6, Saturday 28 February 2009
Below: Echo 26 December 2009
We meet on Mondays 6:30 (cuppa) 7pm – 8.30pm (sing) Choir restarts Monday 8 February 2010
Anderson Road Community Centre, Forrestfield, WA 6058. All ages and voices welcome.
For more info contact Jo Randell 0409-116-460 or email pjrandell AT bigpond.com