A group of residents from Uniting AgeWell’s Launceston sites experienced a day in the life of music superstars recently, as they harnessed the power of music to bring joy and evoke memories.
The Aldersgate Choir – comprising residents from Newnham Community, Aldersgate Village and Kings Meadows Community– recently attended TasTAFE’s music studio recently to record their first album.
Uniting AgeWell Leisure and Lifestyle Assistant Adam Page said musical engineering students from the Alanvale campus recorded the CD in a 90-minute session.
“After the recording session each member of the choir was given a copy of the CD so they could listen to themselves singing in the choir whenever they wanted,” he said.
“They have proudly played the CD to their families and one person handed a copy to their grandchildren.”
The album includes uplifting classics like Amazing Grace, Waltzing Matilda and You are my Sunshine that the choir members would have sung throughout their lives.
Adam said singing those songs encouraged reminiscence and evoked uplifting feelings in the members, some of whom have dementia.
“Some of our residents are reserved but they really come out of their shell when they perform in the choir.”
“It’s a moving experience for staff and a very positive experience for the choir members because of the joy it brings them.”
It is the first time many of the residents have been in a choir or sung in front of anyone and Adam said they were gaining confidence every practice.
“Singing in any social situation is an uplifting experience,” he said.
“This group is so supportive and enthusiastic that it gives those more apprehensive singers extra confidence.”
The choir recently travelled to Uniting AgeWell’s Latrobe Community, Strathdevon to perform in front of residents and it plans to perform more in the future.
The Aldersgate Choir CD is for sale for $5, with the proceeds going towards leisure and lifestyle activities at Aldersgate. To purchase a copy, call T: 6341 1400.