Brighton & Hove City Council’s Music & Arts service is launching a singing group for people aged 60 and over. ‘Social Singing’ is a new weekly Brighton-based music group, for people aged 60 and over, launching on Tuesday 27 January 2015.
Led by experienced vocal tutor Flo Sparham, the friendly and relaxed singing group will meet on a weekly basis at the Music Centre in County Oak Avenue, Brighton. The group has been created to give people the opportunity to gain the known benefits of singing with others.
Cllr Phélim Mac Cafferty, Chair of Brighton & Hove Music Trust, said: “This is a brilliant new idea which will bring Brighton & Hove’s older citizens together to make music in the most fantastic fashion possible: Singing.
“Ella Fitzgerald once said that ‘The only thing better than singing is more singing’. According to The British Psychological Society singing in a choir can be good for our psychological well-being; some studies suggest that it can alleviate stress. Above all singing reminds us of a sense of community, zaps isolation and can be a great laugh.”
There is no audition, no requirement to read music and no pressure to perform in public (unless members would like to). The group is focused on promoting good emotional health and wellbeing through the positive experience of communal singing. It is ideal for older people in our community who simply enjoy music but also for those who may sometimes feel lonely or isolated.
The Social Singing sessions are free and work on a drop-in basis. The sessions are supported by Brighton & Hove City Council and NHS Brighton & Hove Clinical Commissioning Group. Members are invited to bring a friend, family member or carer if they wish.
Activity details
When: Tuesday mornings, 10am to 12 noon
(The weekly sessions coincide with Brighton & hove school term times and will begin on 27 January 2015)
Where: Brighton & Hove Music & Arts, County Oak Avenue, Brighton, BN1 8DJ
Who can join: Adults aged 60+ (members may also bring a companion or carer if they wish).
How to apply: Email soundcity@brighton-hove.gov.uk to register interest, or simply turn up!
Fee: There is no fee to take part