Dementia choir proves a hit with their first ever public concert
Brisbane North’s first ever dementia choir held its first every concert and it was an overwhelming success.
Around 150 concert goers were treated to a highly moving musical performance as part of the first ever Bright ‘N’ Sparks dementia choir concert recently.
Community and Oral Health Consumer and Community Partnerships Manager Claire Harrison said the dementia choir’s first ever 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 said.
“Concert goers were treated to range of familiar and popular songs that were entertaining and fun, ranging from classics like the Beatles to a mixture of children’s favourites,” she said.
“The Bright ‘N’ Sparks dementia choir was created to support people living with dementia and their loved ones and carers to come together to sing and socialise.
The Bright ‘N’ Sparks Dementia Choir is led by two trained music teachers who have an interest and passion in supporting the community, particularly those with cognitive conditions.
(From left) Bright ‘N’ Sparks choir member Patrick was a key voice in the first ever concert at Brighton. He is pictured with family members Georgia and Daniel.
“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 said.
“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 concert, the Redcliffe Hospital Speech Pathology department was honoured for their donation on behalf of their colleague Liz, to purchase the fabulous choir vests.
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.
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 provides an opportunity for members to improve their singing skills even across a range of experience levels.
The Bright ‘N’ Sparks choir runs each Friday from 9.30 am to 12.00 noon at Brighton Health Campus, with singing from 10.00am to 11.00am, followed by a light morning tea.
The choir currently has places available for interested people. To find out more information please contact 3631 7568.
As part of the performance, the Bright ‘N’ Sparks Choir (Brisbane North Dementia Choir) was also recognised as a winner of a Community and Oral Health Staff Excellence Award for 2024.
Choir members and volunteers were also acknowledged for their tireless efforts supporting the choir including Desma Healy, Belinda Begley, Norma Storey, David Storey, Elisabeth Walpole and Marie Ellsworth.