by Cath Kelly, Area Manager
We have had a few events over the year where we have come together and we really enjoyed them. I love bringing people together and I am good at organising so building on this I asked people what they enjoyed doing and what they wanted to do. A couple of people said that they enjoyed singing so we thought we would give it a go!
Choosing the choir's first song
We came together in a hall and put the word out. For our first song we purposely chose “Oh Happy Day” because there’s a repeat so that we could see how everyone sounded. Without being too technical we have grouped people together based on their voice range and how well they sounded together.
It’s hard to sing and listen so we record and listen back and then group together. Now, the group choose our songs together.
Finding local choir connections
There’s got to be something at the end of it that you are working towards so we reached out to some local nursing homes and asked if they would like us to sing and also to join us. A local care home for people with dementia welcomed us to come and sing.
We put a poster together and shared it on Facebook and it was picked up by someone from Manchester City Council who then asked us to come and sing at Spinningfields in Manchester as part of the Christmas markets! Amazing!
What people say
There are around 20 people who come each week, people supported, staff and people locally. This is what people tell us.
It’s the best time of the week and it’s even better than karaoke.
Andrew
It’s as uplifting as church.
Marlon
MacIntyre Melodies choir is my place of escape, where I’m reminded of the human side of my work. It’s a chance to step away from the admin desk and immerse myself in something meaningful. Being part of the choir allows me to connect face-to-face with the people who draw on our support, our dedicated staff, and the locals who join us. Through shared moments of music and joy, I get to build relationships and experience the sense of community we’re all working towards. Most importantly we belly laugh until we cry.
Melissa
I love the choir, it’s a laugh when were all together its really good, just don’t invite me to anything like this again, I only come for the gateau!
Ste
Check out the choir spreading their magic and joy – what can happen when people come together with purpose!
