Thank you for taking time to read the October issue of the Choral Journal which focused on Advocacy and Collaboration. We have loved hearing how the content inspired, motivated, or encouraged you. This month’s blog post is a direct response to the “Share Your Story” project and we can’t wait for you to hear about it. These stories are intended to spark ideas and build community as we celebrate the awesome work our colleagues and friends are doing around the country.
Before we dive into this great story, don’t forget, you can also share your story to be featured in a blog and/or A&C social media. Simply click this link and submit the simple form. If you have questions, email us at .
Northeast Louisiana Parkinson’s Chorale
Submitted by: Shayla L. Blake
Location: Ruston, Louisiana
What is the collaborative element of your project?
The NELA Parkinson’s Chorale began with a request from two very dear friends who were not only musicians but had recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Symptoms of this disease often include the loss of volume, strength, and clarity in speaking and sadly, my friends were experiencing those losses. Singing is one of the recommended therapies for these symptoms, and it was their hope to find improvement in a choral setting, focused on their unique realities. As a faculty member in the Louisiana Tech University School of Music, I approached our director at the time, Dr. Michael Austin, for the green light to begin such an ensemble. He was immediately on board and facilitated moving a piano to our meeting room. My next step was to contact Dr. Donna Hood, Professor of Nursing and Associate Dean in our College of Applied & Natural Sciences. She was overseeing the Parkinson Resource Center collaboration at Louisiana Tech and had received a Community Grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation. Her similar enthusiasm for this additional therapeutic opportunity led to the launching of our first meeting in the Fall of 2022! Since that time, we have integrated nursing students who assist in the rehearsals. As faculty member in the Louisiana Tech Communication Sciences and Disorders department and a Speech Pathologist with decades of experience, Shawn Moss recently joined our eƯorts, bringing undergraduate Pre Professional Speech Language Pathology students with her as well. To round out the collaboration, most recently, music majors have been invited to join us. This combination of Parkinson’s patients, faculty and students has proved to be an energizing and informative experience for all involved. The Parkinson patients are finding opportunities to strengthen their speech in an uplifting group setting. Students have firsthand experience learning concepts of breath control, diction, posture, vocal warm-ups, and teaching strategies for those important concepts. Students also have the opportunity to spend time with people in an older age group, discovering that, by singing together, new friendships are forged.
What is the most successful aspect of the project?
Two separate scenes jump out in my mind that represent the success of our ensemble. The first happened after introducing the group to kazoo playing as an avenue for strengthening and focusing the breath as well as activating vocal sound one participant, who formerly sang and played in a local band prior to the Parkinson’s diagnosis, looked at me and said, “I finally felt my vocal chords again.” There are not any words to adequately describe the beauty of that moment. The second success is the opportunity for our Chorale to be a part of the “You Are Not Alone” virtual choir video/recording in partnership with Bridges for Parkinsons in Nashville, Tennessee.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DgwAEUFWHI
A Parkinson’s patient, Rich Gootee, co-wrote the song and sang the lead vocal for the video recording. Additionally featured were the musical talents of individuals and choirs from various places as well as professional musicians. Beeb Birtles (Little River Band), guitarist and songwriter, Gordon Kennedy (“Change the World”) and rock icon Peter Frampton contributed their talents to
this exciting collaboration. I had the privilege to arrange the choir background voice parts. The project culminated in a video premier at 3rd and Lindsley in Nashville, last Spring, which some of our student assistants and I were able to attend. Such a high point! Our NELA Chorale takes pride in knowing they are a You Tube sensation! As we meet each week, the smiles and laughter as we sing and do crazy things together is so rewarding. Truly, there is healing power in making joyful music together and knowing that you are not alone.
Looking for more inspiring stories or A&C Content. Check out the full focus choral journal here!
If you need any help, we are here for you! There’s an awesome infographic in the inside back cover of your October 2024 Choral Journal, or check out acda.org/advocacy or instagram.com/acdaadvocacyandcollaboration.
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