Recently, residents across the country have been coming together to sing in choir groups facilitated by With One Voice, a national movement of inclusive choirs that aim to build supportive and welcoming groups where everyone can belong. They provide toolkits, attend regular meetings with choir groups and support homes with any challenges.
Every Regis home is taking part and has created its own resident and employee choir. In the coming months, these choirs will come together with their neighbouring homes for inter-home performances.
Everyone who joins the choirs bring a different background, story and range of experiences to their choral group. Marie, who lives at Regis Gatton will turn 105 in February and is a valued member of her Home’s choir.
As a child, Marie was always performing. Whether it was singing or dancing, she was always happiest making others smile through music. Now, living in aged care, Marie continues to thrive while singing. She loves being a part of the Home’s choir, and whilst she admits her voice “is not what it used to be,” she loves many other aspects of the choir, like getting together with friends and singing familiar and favourite tunes.
Resident Alfie, from Regis Whitfield, similarly came to his Home’s choir from a life filled with music. As a member of the Cairns Choral Society, Alfie took his singing career to England, Europe, America and New Zealand, sharing his musical talents with the world. As such a big part of his life, Alfie was devastated to stop singing with the choir when he damaged his vocal cords. Sadly, his voice never recovered to the same standard. At Regis Whitfield, Alfie can continue exercising his love of singing without the pressure of his professional career.
The first inter-home choir performance is just over a week away and excitement is building for the Southeastern Victorian homes’ show. The Regis Instagram account @regisagedcare will be posting updates across the coming performances, so be sure to follow to keep up with these amazing groups.
