What do you do when you love singing, love to learn and perform, are looking for connection and an escape from everyday life? You sing with a vocal ensemble like A Cappella West Chorus!

A Cappella West (ACW) is a female a cappella/barbershop chorus based in Manning WA, made up of over 70 interesting, fun and friendly women, with ages ranging from 30’s to 80’s and from all around the world. Most of ACW’s members joined the chorus because they were looking for an outlet for their love of singing, but most have stayed because they have found so much more along the way. Music has been found to have so many benefits for our mental, physical and emotional health and wellbeing, and singing – especially ensemble a cappella – is one of the most beneficial musical outlets there is.

ACW members are part of a strong and supportive community, are constantly learning new music and new skills, perform at a wide variety of events, and also compete at a national level as part of the worldwide organisation, Sweet Adelines. They have even competed internationally at the Sweet Adelines International Competitions in Las Vegas in 2016 and New Orleans in 2019.

ACW members are passionate about their chorus. Some quotes from ACW members highlight what singing with A Cappella West means to them:

“I rocked up to rehearsal without a clue what barbershop was and having never sung a cappella before.  What I found at ACW was so much more than a place to sing!  At ACW, I have found a group of extraordinary women who have such a strong community and really are there for each other in every way.  I have found a place to be myself, have fun, a place to learn and a place to belong. Chorus is my time to just be me."– Summar

 

“Singing is like my meditation. It helps me focus on something other than the stresses of everyday life (there are many) and work with an ever-improving team to create a product to be proud of. I hardly ever feel like coming to chorus on a Wednesday. I’m tired, work has been busy, my mind is racing through everything I have to do the next day. But I go. And every single time I leave feeling freer, more relaxed and energised. Everything is achievable after a good sing.” - Alice

 

“Being with A Cappella West has given me the opportunity to make new friends, travel and increase my vocal skills hugely. I do it just for myself.  A Cappella West gave me the opportunity to have a supportive and friendly environment to get away from the woes of the world.” – Gayle

 

“I cannot imagine my life without ACW. Apart from lifelong friends made, it fills my need for music! I love the learning of new songs, the retreats with specialised coaching, the competitions, the performances at Songfests in country towns, the Christmas performances and the dressing up!  All these things provide an atmosphere of togetherness and cementing friendships and I love singing to an audience!” – Leonie
 

“After 10 years with the chorus I have learnt more than I could ever have known.  Everyone does their best and commits to improving, and together we blend to make an ever more awesome sound!  ACW has taken me overseas to sing and compete.  Surrounded by my sisters in song there is just a wonderful supportive vibe in ACW.” – Moira