BEFORE the pandemic restrictions, Batemans Bay's U3A Singers group would get together every week.
But rather than rest their vocal cords, the singers fired up their computers and moved online.
Lyn Brown is the group's course tutor and helped co-ordinate the virtual choir. She spoke with The Senior for Get Online Week, running October 19-25.
"Many of our members do not have many other interests, so it was important that we continue to communicate regularly," she said.
"We gave it a go on Zoom, and it was a huge challenge. Most of our members are elderly and it was a big learning curve for us and them."
The 77-year-old said the group had faced quite a few challenges, such as getting comfortable with technology.
"A lot of us are afraid of the internet, but each week about 30 of us sing together, tell jokes - we even had an online concert."
One of the biggest issues was getting the time delay sorted, which made it hard for the singers to synchronize with each other.
Lyn turned to the woman who helped her learn the computer in the first place, Trish Pie from The Tec Exec.
"Out of the goodness of her heart, Trish came on board and showed me what to do, and taught the group's committee how to be mentors, who then taught the rest of the singers," Lyn said.
"We had a lot of teething problems. The committee would have a practice run first to work out the gremlins before the session."
Lyn is grateful that technology has allowed her and her fellow members to continue doing what they love.
She said music not only has physical benefits, such as improving posture and breathing, but it also brings people together.
"The best part of this, to me, was to see the smiles and joy when these dear people saw each other's faces on the screen, with the satisfaction of accomplishing something new and innovative."
Practising their singing is important, but the social interaction is proving to be even more so.
"Without the skills to do this, one can soon be left behind and out of the loop. My advice is to feel the fear and do it anyway."
Get Online Week is a campaign by The Good Things Foundation Australia, which also manages a network of 3000 Be Connected community partners across the country.
People needing support to learn digital skills can find a local Get Online Week event by contacting Good Things Foundation on 1300 795 897 or going to www.getonlineweek.com
