I’ve had illnesses, injuries, all sorts of challenges...now for a life of music
Being part of Love Music Community Choir has helped Stasa Morgan-appel in so many ways. Originally from Philadelphia, she moved to Edinburgh eight years ago, and being in the choir from its outset has helped her feel at home and part of the wider community.
It has also boosted her health and wellbeing, physically and mentally. “I’ve had so much out of it,” she said.
“As someone new to the city and an immigrant, being in a community that is intentionally multi-cultural helped me find my feet, and helped me integrate into the larger community.
“Love Music does a really good job of making it clear that lots of different people are welcome.
“My family knew right away that moving here had been the right decision, but it’s still very hard. “Joining the choir has been a really positive force for my mental health, and that was a lovely thing. “My friends have noticed and say the choir seems so good for me.
“My spouse has also seen the difference the choir makes to me, so much so that we ensure it’s budgeted into our time, for her to come along and support.
“I had been in a post-graduate programme that was very challenging, both intellectually and emotionally. “Coming to the choir each week helped me complete it – I don’t think I would have got through the course without it.”
Being around other people when circumstances might mean they are often otherwise alone is another positive the choir brings. “I’ve had various physical challenges – I live with a chronic illness and I’ve had a couple of nasty injuries, so having the choir being physically accessible has been tremendous,” continued 49-year-old Stasa.
“I knew if I could get there, then I could take part in the rehearsals, which cuts down on isolation when I was unwell or dealing with injury. That helped keep my spirits up. “It’s a wonderful thing to get to know people and to reduce people’s isolation.” Stasa had been a part of various choirs over the years, but none of them compares to Love Music Community Choir.
“I’ve sung in a church choir, an LGBTQ choir, a feminist choir and a spirituality group, but nothing as big or as community-based as this one.”
As well as feeling better in herself, it’s provided a springboard for more opportunities to sing. “The feeling of coming into the Usher Hall as an audience member, now that I have an experience of it from the other side, seems to make other arts in the city more accessible. “Last summer, I sang at the opening of the International Festival. I might never have had that opportunity without Stephen, who was the musical director. And I’ve also sung in other projects like the Commonwealth Games and Big Big Sing. “This was an experiment for me, but it has given me a wider sense of belonging and opportunity.
“It’s been so positive – and one of the things I love about Scotland is that people love to sing.”