Music brings growth at community workshop

PEOPLE availing of Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Ireland community services at Cahereens West here in Castleisland recently completed a community music workshop with musician Ruti Lachs.

The workshop was a collaboration between the ABI Kerry Education and Training Board.

The group comprised 10 to 12 participants and community support workers.

The workshop, held over eight weekly classes, gave all involved the opportunity to use various instruments, learn some instrumental skills and for some re-ignite their passion for music following their injury.

“This year the group wrote a short theatrical piece which incorporated five popular songs chosen by the participants. They performed it for family and friends at their annual barbecue,,” said centre spokesman David McCarthy.

“The community music sessions are a valuable and fun two hour weekly workshop. The focus is on group music making and, as facilitator, Ruti encourages people to stretch themselves and step out of their comfort zone to try something new ... often with hilarious results.

“The final piece is only a part of what we try to achieve through community music. The main aims include: achieving good group dynamic; encouraging individuals’ abilities; skill sharing; confidence building; fun; enabling people to take their music a step further without the need for the community music facilitator to be present.

“This last aim has been achieved, as some members of the group now meet monthly to sing and play music together,” said David.