Choir makes magic with music

The power of music was evident at the first Bright ‘N’ Sparks Dementia Choir concert, with about 150 people treated to an engaging and moving musical performance.

Community and Oral Health Consumer and Community Partnerships Manager Claire Harrison says the dementia choir’s first concert was a huge success.

“An overwhelming number of family members, carers, patients and community members came along to support, celebrate and enjoy the magical performance,” she says.

“Concert goers were treated to range of familiar and popular songs that were extremely entertaining, fun, and which ranged from the classics from the Beatles to a mixture of children’s favourites.

“This concert, which was thoroughly enjoyed by many, has created another lasting memory and joyful experience for all of the choir members living with dementia, as well as carers, partners, friends, children and community members who attended.

“The Bright ‘N’ Sparks dementia choir was created to support people living with dementia and their loved ones/carers to come together to sing and socialise.

“The benefits of such a choir are many and seen in the progress of those attending each week and the fact that they could come together to produce such a wonderful musical performance.”

The Bright ‘N’ Sparks Dementia Choir is led by two trained music teachers who have an interest and passion in supporting our community, particularly those with cognitive conditions.

“Both have lived experience of supporting loved ones with dementia and recognise the significant impact of singing in a group, on the health, memory and social connections of those involved,” Claire explains.

“Many members of the choir are actively involved in the growth and support of the choir by promoting it widely and lobbying for donations from interested community and private organisations.”

During the event, Redcliffe Hospital Speech Pathology department staff were honoured for their donation on behalf of their colleague Liz, to purchase vests for choir members.

The Bright ‘N’ Sparks Choir (Brisbane North Dementia Choir), which began in early 2024 at the Brighton Wellness Hub, follows on from successful dementia choirs across Australia and internationally.

Making a difference

Claire said with nearly half a million people in the country living with dementia, the personal impact on individuals and their families, partners and carers can be very high.

“Dementia can happen to anybody, but the risk increases with age with almost one person in 10 aged over 65 and three in 10 over 85 years suffering dementia in Australia,” she said.

“Music can be very therapeutic, and good for speech, memory and socialising.

“It can enhance and maintain a person’s wellbeing, but also prevent and reduce isolation, loneliness and depression.”

The Bright ‘N’ Sparks Choir Concert was led by Katie Lawton, the concertmaster of the Moreton Bay Symphony Orchestra, and music teacher Althea O’Dee.

The choir runs each Friday from 9.30am-noon at Brighton Health Campus, with singing from 10-11am, followed by a light morning tea.

The choir currently has places available for interested people. To find out more, phone 3631 7568.