This entertainment is a Hilltops Council Library staff initiative offering a varied weekly program of concerts to the public, free of charge.
Since Take 5 began on July 7, 2017 the program has run without grants and funding, relying on the talent and goodwill of performers, and the musical appreciation of a loyal audience.
Take 5 has drawn over 2000 extra visits to Young’s library since its inception and has showcased the talents of more than 250 people from Young, Harden, Jugiong, Boorowa, Cootamundra, Temora and Sydney. There have also been free, Take 5 performances from professional musicians from Sydney and London in the UK.
The concerts take the form of solos, duets, choirs and ensembles presenting classical, pop, jazz, country and bush poetry presented by artists who have been aged from five to 89 years.
Numbers attending continue to rise, with a spike this year of 130 when St Mary’s Choir presented a selection of songs in June.
Take 5 has gained NSW Public Libraries Association recognition as an example of an innovative library program creating community connection through hosting a variety of events and programs.
A performance at Take 5 on Friday is now a requirement for Young Regional School of Music scholarship students.
On Friday September 27 two former National Cherry Festival Queens, sisters Emily and Bec Calvert will perform for the 100th Take 5 on Friday concert to be held at Young’s library at 12.30pm.
Emily, one of the foundation performers of the Take 5 series, is a Young Regional School of Music tutor where she teaches piano, vocals and violin. Her sister Bec is a midwife who has been working at Orange Hospital. Both sisters sing in church. They are excited to be performing together for the last time as the Calvert sisters. Emily has a name change planned on October 6 when she will marry fellow music tutor Mark Brooker.