People living with long-term illnesses have come together to perform as a choir.
Members of the Vocal Chord choir shared their musical talents on Monday afternoon at the Norie-Miller Studio in Perth Concert Hall.
The choir, featuring people living with long-term conditions, has now performed as part of its final session of its autumn programme.
Singing coach Emma Neck worked with participants throughout the eight session programme, exploring singing in a fun and enjoyable way, with a focus on a variety of warm-up techniques and specific songs.
Ms Neck, creative learning co-ordinator for Horsecross Arts, said: “I really enjoyed working with Vocal Chord and exploring gentle harmonies and different styles of music together.
“Everyone worked very hard and sounded amazing. It’s been a joy to be involved and I look forward to doing more work with the group next year.”
The group of singers included people from a wide range of backgrounds and some of their carers.
One member said: “It is great therapy and everyone leaves here feeling uplifted.
“Everyone here supports each other.”
Ms Neck added that the choir has created a further support network for the singers outside the sessions.
She said: “Some of them have even met up outside the choir and come to see some of the shows we put on here.
“It’s something I hadn’t really anticipated and I don’t think they did either.”
The singing programme was also supported by the Gannochy Trust, the Forteviot Trust, NHS Tayside and Tayside Healthcare Arts Trusts (THAT).
THAT Development Officer Karine Neill spoke of what the choir brings to its members.
She said: “Vocal Chord is about enjoyment and wellbeing through singing and coming together as a group.
“It also relies on experienced singing coaches delivering the programme.
“During this programme, the group raised £622 towards the continuation of Vocal Chord. Thank you to everyone who helped raise money for the programme.
“Their kind donation and fundraising shows just how much this means to the people who are attending the wellbeing programme.”
THAT is an organisation which helps to promote the therapeutic value of arts-based programmes to enhance quality of life.
It also works to promote social inclusion and empower an individual to make an important contribution to their own health and wellbeing.
Vocal Chord is set to resume next year in the Norrie-Miller Studio.
The programme is delivered in association with Horsecross Arts, the creative organisation and charity behind Perth Concert Hall.
Anyone who is interested in finding out more about next year’s programme should contact Karine Neill on 01382 835509.
