A therapeutic choir is being developed in Perth and Kinross to empower and enhance the quality of life of patients with long term conditions.
Members of the Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust’s (THAT) and Horsecross Arts have been working with patients for the last eight weeks on their Singing for Wellbeing programme, culminating in a celebration event at the Norrie Miller Studio in Perth Concert Hall on Monday.
Singing coach Amy Lord, alongside volunteer support artist Emma Neck and THAT volunteer Annette McBride, worked with participants during the eight-session programme to explore creativity through singing in a fun and enjoyable way.
Karine Neill, THAT development officer, said: “The programme is about enjoyment and development over time.
“It’s brilliant to watch someone grow in confidence and feel safe in this supported, shared experience.
“Horsecross Arts provides great surroundings in the Norrie Miller Studio.”
>> Keep up to date with the latest news with The Courier newsletter
Amy said: “I was excited to work with this group of people and share my love of Scots language, singing and exploring music together.
“Everyone worked extremely hard and we had great fun along the way.”
Lauren Oakes, head of creative learning at Horsecross Arts, said the sessions had been filled with laughter.
She said: “Horsecross Arts creative learning team is delighted to continue their partnership work with Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust.
“Working with Amy Lord, the group have developed their skills learning new musical genres and singing techniques.
“One of the highlights for the group has been working with Amy’s broad knowledge of Scottish repertoire, in particular, the workings of Robert Burns.
“The eight week block has been filled with lots of laughter and improved participant wellbeing.”
Following the programme, THAT, Horsecross Arts and the Foviot Trust are now launching a choir for people living with mixed long term conditions in Perth and Kinross.
The new choir programme will begin on Monday April 15 from 1.30-3.30pm for an eight-week period, with the hope of continuing beyond the initial time frame.
Anyone wanting to take part in the choir can contact Karine Neill on 01382 835509.
THAT promotes the therapeutic value of arts-based programmes to “enhance quality of life, promote social inclusion and empower an individual to make an important contribution to their health and wellbeing”.
