Monday marked the start of our Music Project officially re-opening!
For the past year and a half, activities in the music room have been on pause, though a monthly Zoom has kept people singing. This week however, we were pleased to be able to start welcoming small groups back to the project, to make music in-person together again.
Folks have really enjoyed singing some old favourites, as well as starting to learn a few new songs. We have also been playing some tuned percussion instruments - xylophones, glockenspiels, and a marimba.
For some, it was a chance to pick up where they left off, trying to improve upon their technique and music-reading. Whilst for others, this was their first time playing the instrument.
It has been great to see our beneficiaries thinking creatively, and really giving it a go - and the boost to their confidence when they find that, with a little practice, they can do something which at first didn’t seem possible. This was the case for one gentleman who was playing the xylophone for the first time. It was wonderful to see his expression as he realised that it actually came very naturally to him, and the whole group were full of joy at this precious moment.
The corridors of the Adult Learning & Arts Centre had been very quiet during lockdown…. but not any more! Many from our neighbouring rooms have missed hearing our talented musicians, and are very pleased to have them back!
But more than that, our beneficiaries have missed being here, singing together and having a good natter about all things musical. Music is such a powerful way of connecting with others, and I think this is needed now more than ever. One lady told me that when she was invited back to the project, she literally ‘jumped for joy’! Another beneficiary was so thankful for the smiles and the laughter that he was moved to pray with us all at the end of the session.
It is a real pleasure to start making music with our precious beneficiaries again, and to be able to say that the Arts corridor really is alive with the sound of music!
Harriet