Room for Every Voice

by Mary Irvine

In the centre of Dumbarton is the Church where Charles Rennie Mackintosh married Margaret Macdonald on August 20, 1899.

Established in 1873 the church of St. Augustine (of Hippo) recently hosted a series of events to celebrate its 150th birthday.

Among them a special Eucharist, an all-community festive lunch, and, a vintage Rennie Mackintosh tea, with the Helensburgh String Quartet.

This is a church that has moved with the times to meet the modern day needs of the whole community as well as maintaining its Christian values and worship.

A centre, not only for the spiritual but also for the wider community of all beliefs and none.

It hosts regular entertainment events, a foodbank, a warm hub, there is a hall for hire containing all the modern technology any meeting would require.

And several community-led groups such as Every Voice Choir use it as their base.

Growing Choir

It was the choir I had come to visit.

The seed which led to the formation of the choir was sown some seven years ago.

Fiona Kane, a dementia advisor with Alzheimer Scotland who has an interest in music as therapy, approached Bryan Marshall, the musical director of Westerton Male Voice Choir and founder of the Sing Aloud singing for pleasure groups.

She wanted him to be the Choir Master for a new group.

Numbers attending the first meeting in the Church’s small hall were in single figures.

Originally it was planned as a six-week project, with initial funding coming from the Life Changes Trust.

However, when this ceased the members decided to continue with their own ‘Purple Fund-Raising Club.’

The choir now numbers 70 to 80.

They are people living with dementia, their carers and extended family, specialist carers and anyone who wants to sing.

Two of the original members, Liz and Betty, are still regular attendees and in charge of the all-important refreshments and social gathering.

Welcoming for Everyone

Rehearsals now take place fortnightly on a Wednesday afternoon in the nave of the church.

There are no auditions, and a warm welcome is extended to everyone in the community, regardless of age or creed.

This was reflected when Jesse was treated to a rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ as she was 93 years old that very day and newcomer Paul was welcomed with a round of applause.

A welcome was extended to me, and I felt myself drawn into the joy, enthusiasm, and the commitment.

The Choir Master has an excellent rapport with the choir members, who have an obvious close relationship both with Bryan, who exudes and evokes enthusiasm, and each other.

Bryan has seen from experience the positive influence singing has on people’s lives and wellbeing.

He said: “Leading Every Voice Community Choir, along with the dedicated team at Alzheimer Scotland, is an absolute honour for me.

“The fabulous members are an inspiration to me every time we sing together.”

Light and Joy

Several people, each with their own reasons for joining, shared with me the benefits of belonging to the choir.

Kate Donnelly, an NHS carer, was with Margaret.

She told me she can see Margaret’s face light up with joy when she realises she is going to the choir.

Margaret can follow the words and likes to dance to the music.

Kate said it is a great atmosphere which both she and Margaret enjoy.

The choir has featured on BBC’s Make a Wish, performing with the Scottish Ballet for their 50th birthday and performing at the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh.

There are also plans afoot for a collaboration with the Scottish Chamber orchestra.

I attended the performance arranged as part of the Church birthday celebrations, along with some 100 others.

I even got a mention as Bryan told the choir they had to be the best as a ‘member of the press’ was there!

Therapeutic

The Choir didn’t disappoint.

Their versatility shone through with an eclectic mix of songs.

I loved the a cappella ‘Rula Sana,, a South African lullaby and the poignancy of Burn’s ‘Ae Fond Kiss’.

At the other extreme was a raucous and enjoyable ‘Drunken Sailor’ to the audience accompaniment of foot stamping and loud, salty ’oorays.’

Dementia in whatever form is no respecter of age, gender, creed or standing.

It can strike at any time and affects every member of the family.

They all live with the diagnosis.

Music has always been believed to have therapeutic properties for all and this community choir bears genuine witness to that belief.

I paid two visits to the choir.

What did I come away with?

Apart from enjoying the singing, it’s good to laugh and we should do more of it!!

I shall certainly be attending their next concert – why don’t you join me?

To find out more about the Every Voice Choir or other support for people with dementia contact Alzheimer Scotland on 0141 410 5306.