Songs of praise for our connected choirs
Music therapy is a proven use of musical interventions to help a person’s development. Delivered by trained professionals it is widely used as part of many of SNAP’s weekly activity sessions for children and young people. SNAP Choir is back for young people and then one for parents too!
The aim of the choir is to help participants feel more confident, connected and less isolated which has the knock-on effect of improving their emotional wellbeing. SNAP’s two choir sessions run during term time – with one for young people aged 8-25 and a separate one for parents.
For our young people this after-school club is at The SNAP Centre but a remote option is available for those who cannot make it to the centre. Our attendees sing a variety of songs led by our music therapist. Attendees request which warm up activities and songs they would like to do and then everyone sings a song together, learning the melody and sometimes harmony parts. This gives them greater ownership of the choir and also helps with communication, social skills and awareness of others, waiting until it is their turn to choose the song.
The emphasis of these activities is to have fun and join in, participating however they like. There is a huge range of needs within the group and everyone takes part in their own way, helping them to overcome barriers and ensure that they have fair access to music making.
SNAP’s resident music therapist, Emily, is delighted by how the sessions are going this term. “The choir for young people provides a safe space to explore their voices. Each week, a different member of the choir chooses a song for the following week, providing the opportunity to share their musical preferences with everyone.
Our sessions follow a similar format each week, even allowing for an opportunity for each person to have a solo, if they would like to!
The choir is a lot of fun, and everyone is always so supportive of each other.
We’ve even taken part in two different recording projects now and are looking forward to what is next for our choir!”
Following the success of the initial choir, parents asked if they could join the fun too!
“Our parent choir has become a space to come and sing together in a supported
environment. From day one, everyone was singing harmonies and enjoying their time in the music – I think some people may have even surprised themselves,” added Emily.
“We began our sessions as a monthly event, not wanting to add the pressure of regularity for those who wanted to come, but people have enjoyed it so much we have decided to go fortnightly from the beginning of the New Year. It brings me great joy to provide a space at SNAP where people can nurture their own mental health and wellbeing through singing and I would love to see the parent choir performing and sharing their wonderful voices with everyone.”
SNAP parent Lindsay is delighted her son, Nathan, is enjoying the camaraderie of being in a choir and that his favourite part is the opportunity it brings to make friends with other people who also enjoy singing.
“He likes working towards the recording of everyone singing for special occasions.
“Through SNAP Nathan has also been able to access one-to-one music sessions. Music has always had a relaxing and calming influence on him and through exploring music with Emily he discovered just how powerful music can be.
As a result, Nathan performed two solo songs at SNAP’s Christmas Drama Show.
“We knew Nathan enjoyed singing in the shower and car but it was a wow moment to see him stand up in front of his drama cohort and other SNAP families and sing his original songs. We couldn’t be prouder and we know it’s because his self esteem has grown through taking part in Choir, Drama and Music Therapy and he felt safe and supported at a SNAP event. We also have to mention Friday Music on Facebook Live, we always try to start our Friday’s watching along it’s fabulous!
“Nathan is also a member of The SNAP Drama club which has helped Nathan to develop his self-confidence, come up with ideas and step out of his comfort zone. He has been working hard towards the Christmas performance where he narrated his part brilliantly. He had listened to Alli’s advice and projected his story telling with animation. We thoroughly enjoyed watching them all acting out their roles, it really was an entertaining evening and all the kids personalities came shining through.
As a family we have been coming to SNAP for around eight years. In the beginning we joined the after school SNAPtastic and holiday Stay and Play session. From the start visiting the SNAP Centre provided support for all of us, there was no judgement only support and although it takes a while to let the protective guards down it’s the staff and environment that eventually make it possible to lower the defences.”
SNAP parent Nikki and her family have accessed a wide number of activities and services at the charity over the years and having often thought about joining a choir before, but not feeling very confident until now, she is finding the SNAP sessions just as supportive as those attended before.
“The SNAP sessions have been fun, relaxing and enlightening! I knew I’d be amongst people in the same boat. Knowing I didn’t have to explain about having a child with special needs to anyone.”
FREE TASTER SESSION AVAILABLE for SNAP Parent & Carer Choir!
The Autumn term choir sessions have started off with great success and we would like to give you an opportunity to join us for a free ‘taster’ session.
This is an inclusive all-ability group, so no experience of singing or being in a choir is necessary, just a love of music! All SNAP parents and carers are welcome. Please email [email protected] for more information.
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