Last month, a group of residents from Opal’s Blacktown aged care home took their weekly music therapy classes to the next level.
The group had been using their sessions with music therapist Geena Cheng (pictured far left) to write their own original songs about their most cherished memories and experiences. And a few months ago, the tunes were transformed into a new and completely original songbook – Songs from the Heart (pictured inset).
Now the official Opal Blacktown Choir, the residents are currently in the midst of a three-month tour around Sydney to celebrate the songbook’s launch. Since June, the group has visited several Opal homes, the Blacktown Hospital and Blacktown Early Learning Centre to perform their work.
In fact, we had the pleasure of attending the most recent tour stopover at Opal Quakers Hill, where the choir delighted residents, team members and visitors with an array of original songs and classic hits.
Even Opal Blacktown General Manager, Geoff Stone, jumped in to join choir soloist Roy (pictured above centre) in a moving rendition of Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’.
“This project is truly unique, and we are so proud of every one of our residents who participate in the choir, some of whom had never played music before”, said Geoff.
“Not only have they found purpose and joy in making music together, they have developed meaningful connections with one another and shared precious memories with their loved ones.”
The choirs next appearances will be at Opal Windward Manor on 12 July and Blacktown Hospital on 19 July – with three additional shows planned before the end of August. Contact Roseanne Cartwright for more information.
