Why We Sing!

Our Sensory Singers are one of our most popular groups. Find out why they love singing and performing together and the benefits it delivers.

This article was originally included in our newsletter but with this week (commencing 9th May 2022) being Mental health Awareness Week it seemed appropriate to raise the issue of wellbeing. A big part of being in the Sensory Singers!

Why We Sing Case Study

Our Sensory Singers Choir have been a feature of the Centre for the past ten years. But importantly, the group, made up of blind, partially sighted and hard of hearing people, has never focused purely on the music. The group is open to anyone, there are no auditions, it is very much about the camaraderie.

That isn’t to say that the music isn’t important. While John Miles may have sung how music was his first love, it just isn’t what the members get out of singing, there is a lot more to it.

Founder members Laura, Lawson and Christine, who are all registered blind, say that for them, it is the fact that singing, and being part of the choir makes them feel good, is a lot of fun and as result means they leave happy is critical.

The Singers warm up ‘like a real choir’ but also practise a number of mindfulness techniques with leader, Aimee Toshney, before they sign a note. Christine tells us this gets everyone “really focused and in the mood the sing”. The vocal exercises also bring out the best in people and most of the group, despite not having professional training, feel they can sing louder, clearer and reach new notes when they are warmed up.

There is a real sense of achievement in the group when they perfect a particularly difficult song or arrangement. As Laura says, “it is especially difficult to learn new songs when you can’t read the words”. Luckily all three ladies are also members of our braille group and the Centre prints off song lyrics in braille so they can be studied and learned at leisure, this is not the same for everyone though so new routines can take many weeks to prepare. Christine tells us ‘Holy Night’ a festive favourite, is one of the most satisfying and there is general agreement. Having taken a long time to learn, to have “nailed it” in Laura’s words, is something special.

Lawson tells us, “it’s all about the endorphins. Singing as a group gives us a real sense of achievement, it is very uplifting. If I had to choose between the singers and another activity, it would not be singing that I would be giving up!”

Christine agrees, “you don’t have to be the best or want to be the best but it is amazing when it all comes together.”

The pandemic hit the group hard as it did with all our activities. For a year, the singers were unable to meet and it wasn’t possible for the group to meet online, the quality over a video link just isn’t the same and several members are not online. Everyone missed being part of a team and the mix of people who make it up. Laura says it was not being able to do the regular Christmas fundraisers at local supermarkets that she really missed, saying “it’s good to go out and perform. We work hard and we take a lot of pride in what we do.”

So why do we sing? Because singing is uplifting. It provides joy to those taking part and to those listening. It is open to all and builds a rapport between members similar to what you might find in a winning sports team. Plus, it gives members something to look forward to.

Lawson sums it up, “if I wasn’t here I’d be sat at home. Singing makes a mundane Monday magical!”