|
On a typically sunny November Saturday afternoon in Cairns a group of enthusiastic people gathered to share their combined love for music to a very appreciative audience. With a lot of joy, movement and song the Sound Circle choir performed for their family and friends. After 20 weeks of workshops and lots of practice at home this group of 25 people were ready to strut their stuff. The array of people that answered the call to join Sound Circles came from as far afield as Innisfail to Clifton Beach. Their carers and family joined us each week at Hambledon House in Edmonton to experiment with the various techniques Jill Blackman and Melissa Robertson had learnt from Anne Birmingham at workshops hosted in Brisbane by Access Arts. Inspired by the work of UK music therapist, Frankie Armstrong, Sound Circles has sparked four groups across Queensland with plans for another four. From Brisbane to Cairns, Nambour to Mt Isa, you will find people gathering together to reflect life through music. Through harmonics and the resonance of group vocals, the Sound Circle has its affect on even the most physically disabled. Regardless of your ability to vocalise or sing melodically, you can still have a passion and the desire to participate in the creation of music. The only pre-requisite to join the workshops was a love of music with no expectation of being able to play, sing or dance. The range of abilities that gathered was remarkable and somewhat surprising. The first few weeks was about getting to know each other and what our different musical interests were. Everyone was invited to bring along their favorite cd to share with the group. The results would have even impressed the judges of Australian Idol! Renditions of 'Angels brought me here' and any track from Adam Brandt were heard all the way to Sugar World. With the assistance from the local music teacher at Woree High School, Phil Van Heusden, a mini studio was set up and recording of the group began. With this much technology available to us, dreams came true. Participants got to hear their voices loud and clear through the PA, Stephen Sakach finally heard his original song 'Dare to Dream' with a backing track and we discovered Solli's ability to play the harmonica. No one will forget the moment Jason sang the theme song from 'Titanic' and dedicated it to his mum, Linda. Observing different members finding their confidence to share with the group their special talent was inspiring. After a week in Brisbane attending workshops in Cabultour, Nambour and at the Powerhouse Arts Centre, the group were introduced to the Sound Circle techniques. It took a couple of weeks for everyone to get use to the idea of humming into an imaginary balloon and fill the air with their inner voice, but once the group got the hang of it, it was addictive. The group looked forward to starting their workshop with exercises like 'Name Hoeing' where each person takes it in turn to 'throw' their name into the centre and everyone mimicks its back. The variety of different ways people can find to sing their name was extraordinary, and even if they didn't want to, that was okay to. 'Sound Bathing' is difficult to explain unless you experience it. Standing in a tight circle, all facing the same direction (left or right), you place your hand on the persons shoulder blades and fill the space between with breathing sounds and music. It is like a silver thread of harmonics that are woven around the circle until the entire room fills with the cacophony of sound. From this we break into smaller groups (4 or 5) and face the centre of the circle. Again, filling it like a balloon with sounds and breath until someone feels the urge to turn out and go solo. This exercise also has some surprising results with many finding their inner voice and the confidence to sing solo. Even the shyest of people, with the support of the rest of the circle behind them as they come in closer, find a moment of inspiration. When discussing the running order of the eminent concert to be held at the Tanks Arts Centre (Edge Hill) the group decided that they didn't want just a performance but a presentation of the exercises we had learnt. The concert began with a Name Hoeing and Sound Bath off to the side. The Choir then headed to the formal stage area where the fun was about to begin. A selection of songs had been chosen especially for their sentiment. Who can go past the uplifting affects of 'Jeremiah was a Bullfrog' and 'I can see clearly now'. It was a great privaledge for all to have guest vocalists Selena Allen-Anderson and LaDonna Hollingsworth sing their original song 'True Friend'. Another favorite of the group was 'Lean on Me' with a number of great solo moments from Amber, Jenny and Stephen. The finale was extremely memorable with the remarkable rap of Adam and the audience all joining in to sing 'One Step'. Written for the group by our Musical Director, Ms Blackman, the song quickly became an anthem. The universal message of 'taking one step in time with your dreams, one step, stand up and be seen' takes on a whole new meaning when people understand that despite what ever disability fate has dished out – we all need to remember to 'never give up'. The infectious joy of the Sound Circle Choir has quickly caught on. We were invited to be part of the International Day of Disabilities celebrations hosted by Disabilities Services Queensland at the Cairns City Council chambers, Bunnings Community Day, Disability Action Week and Post . A week later the group was part of the 'Christmas in the City' performances at City Place (Cairns). Sound Circles will launch it's tool kit that will then go to the Japan Expo in September and part of the Wataboshi Festival of Music for people with disabilities to be held in Shanghai (China) later in the year. Sound Circle is destined to become an important part of the social fabric of the Cairns community. There is a real need for social activity with an outlet for expression. If you are available and have a passion for music and would like to join the Sound Circle, contact the Arts Nexus office on phone : 4051 4433 or email melissa@artsnexus.com.au
| | The Big Group |
|
Email this page
Print-friendly copy
