Singing their hearts out for love of music
In fine voice as choir has therapeutic effect on members
A group of people with long-term medical conditions have united in voice for a stirring singing performance at Perth Concert Hall.
Members of the Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust’s mixed long-term conditions group have been taking part in their musicality programme, which aims to promote the therapeutic value of arts in enhancing the qualtiy of life.
The programme is designed to encourage social inclusion and empowerment to help improve their health and wellbeing.
The group took part in eight sessions with singing coach Debra Salem, who has been helping them to explore music and creativity in a fun and enjoyable way. This concluded when they showed off their vocal skills at a lunchtime concert at the concert hall on Monday.
Debra Salem said: “We are simply a group of people who sing and share music together, and the group members happen to have a variety of long-term conditions. Everyone has worked extremely hard and we have had great fun.”
Karine Neill, the trust’s development officer, added: “These projects are all about the participant’s enjoyment and their development over the course of the programme. It’s brilliant to watch someone grow in confidence and feel safe in this supported, shared experience.
“Horsecross Arts provide great
Members of the Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust’s mixed long-term conditions group
surroundings in the Norie-Miller Studio, and Debra and the volunteer support staff are invaluable to the success of the programme.”