The choir is getting ready for term three with a new expanded creative and performing arts program.

Mr Maddren and his wife Stephanie, after moving to Port Macquarie, formed production company Got Ya Back Productions.

Got Ya Back has produced productions and performances throughout the Manning Valley, Greater Port Macquarie, NSW and the Gold Coast.

Mr Maddren has been the choir conductor for the Conservatorium Mid North Coast’s Children’s Choir for more than a year.

The choir during that time has performed alongside The Voice 2013 winner Harrison Craig, performed twice with Ian Cooper’s An Afternoon At The Proms and performed at other community events.

Port Macquarie Community College proudly offers the School of Hard Knocks - Absolutely Everybody Choir to the Port Macquarie-Hastings community as an inclusive learning program and provides coordination services as well as professional musical staff.

Lyn Schrader coordinates the choir activities on behalf of the community college and helps to ensure everything runs smoothly.

A wonderful group of volunteers assists the choir members each week and they are always happy to accept new members.

Volunteers fulfil a number of important roles including member support; transport of members to and from rehearsals or to performances; and assistance in the kitchen with the preparation of a shared meal after each rehearsal.

If you or someone you know is living with a challenge including disability, homelessness, mental ill-health or social isolation, for example, please visit rehearsals on Tuesday mornings at the Hollingworth Street Conservatorium of Music from 10am to 11.30am followed by lunch.

The choir plays an important part in the healing process, getting people to “sing again”.

Call the community college on 6583 7288 for more information.