Parkinson's Choir

WHY NOT JOIN THE LEICESTERSHIRE PARKINSON’S CHOIR

We welcome ALL those people affected by Parkinson’s, their family, carers and friends. You can join at any time, we meet weekly with some breaks in school holiday times. Experience not required just come along and sing. We are a happy and friendly group, we even have tea and biscuits. Contribution of £6.00 per session.

Fridays 1.30 to 3.30, The Barnabas Centre, Hamble Road, Oadby, LE2 4NX

Contact: Jane Moore 07763 692 294 or mjmoore5656@gmail.co.uk

What do members of the choir think about the choir.

"I enjoy the company and doing something worthwhile without any pressure.''


"When we learn a song, it can stay in my head for a long, long time." 


"The choir to me means being able to sing, help my Parkinson’s voice and meet lovely people. "

"Trevor and I have always been   involved in singing and when Parkinson’s came along it  looked like those days were over, but the inclusiveness of the choir has really opened up a way to continue singing together."


"I was told at the age of 11 that I could not sing – leader Jane has proved this totally wrong!" 


"I do not have Parkinson's, but I enjoy singing with the choir. It’s amazing to see people with speech problems sing every word and be understood."


"I am a carer, and it has given me a time to enjoy music and be with people who all enjoying singing together. Roger always laughs when I do my voice exercising in the bathroom. Choir means joy and fellowship. "


"I enjoy the Parkinson’s choir. I have learned so much from both members and our musical director alike. I especially appreciate the group interaction and positive determination of all the choir. It is also a privilege to be one of the volunteer team. "

 


"I have to concentrate so hard on the notes on the page that I don’t have time to think about anything or anyone else.  All my cares and worries just fly away.  When a song comes together and all the sections are in harmony there is nothing quite like it.  It is pure joy. "


Janet Edwards, Choir Accompanist: 

 

A lot of the enjoyment is not only seeing people I now count as friends, but also the skills and knowledge of our leader, Jane.   I really enjoy working with another musician.  She is very patient and thorough, going through new music until everyone feels happy and confident.

 

As far as the repertoire is concerned, I continue to learn so much.  In the past I have tended to be a rather four-square classical musician.  I’m continually amazed at the variety of genres:  Songs from the shows, pop world, folk, and gospel and of course, not forgetting Christmas. All this music has been found, arranged and visioned by Jane.  All I do is play it!


Jane Bursnall, Choir Leader:      

I have been leading the Parkinson’s Sing! Choir since its inception. Some of you will remember that in 2012 the Freemasons’ charity of the year was Parkinson’s UK and donated a quarter of a million pounds to the society. This money was shared around its branches, and Leicester and Leicestershire decided to spend their money on singing. A project was set up, and four singing groups were formed for a four-week project culminating in a concert at Leicester University’s Fraser Noble Building. This was deemed so successful that a further six weeks with two groups ensued, and finally a permanent choir was set up which has been running ever since at the Barnabas Centre in Oadby.

The benefits of singing are well documented.  Singing releases happy endorphins such as dopamine and serotonin, it helps with breathing and posture, it helps keep pathways open in the brain for speech, and when singing together heartbeats coincide.

Singing brings people together and gives a common goal, singing together forges friendships.  When singing there is no time to think of any worries or concerns, it demands all of our attention. And lastly, singing together can produce a beautiful sound. 

COMING SOON  - OUR PERFORMANCE DATES


 Age Concern, Braunstone New Town:  - December 12th