Maroondah-based Stroke a Chord Choir has been widely recognised for its pioneering work with stroke survivors, most recently announced as runners-up in the 2012 Music in Communities Network Awards.
Maroondah City Council Mayor, Councillor Nora Lamont, said the recognition was one of many achievements of the choir, which started in 2010. For example, in February 2012, the choir won the ‘Special Projects Initiative’ category in the Annual LGPro Awards and, in April, was awarded $10,000 in the Bank of Melbourne’s ‘The Local Project’ competition.
“Stroke A Chord brings together stroke survivors who have aphasia. While many of them have difficulty recalling words or are unable to speak, read or write, they remarkably still have the ability to sing,” said Cr Lamont.
“The Music in Communities Network Awards, an initiative of the Music Council of Australia, are designed to encourage musical groups and programs whose activities contribute to the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.
“The theme of this year’s award was ‘Creative Ageing’ — aimed at highlighting the range of activities to support and encourage older people to be involved in music making.
“The awards, which attracted hundreds of entries from across Australia, is hoped to encourage even more Australians to become musically active.
“Stroke A Chord Choir is a fabulous example of this, as thanks to the choir each member has rediscovered their ability, and passion, to sing. It is heart warming to see the Choir perform, as you can see the joy that comes with once again being able to share their voices with the world,” Cr Lamont said.
The Stroke a Chord Choir started up in 2010 as a partnership between Maroondah City Council, Yooralla, the Royal Talbot Hospital, the University of Queensland, the Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Croydon Stroke Support Group and Melbourne University.
“After Council discovered that there were several people in Maroondah living with aphasia they took the initial steps of bringing the choir together. The group now has more than 20 members who meet weekly in Ringwood East to rehearse,” said Cr Lamont.
“The choir has gone from strength to strength with the help of a qualified music therapist from Yooralla working alongside the participants to ensure they are getting the most out of each rehearsal.
“The Choir has performed in front of sell-out crowds at Karralyka Theatre [in Ringwood East]; has produced a book sharing the journey of some of its members; and is currently in the process of developing a DVD which will help shed more light on aphasia and the benefits of musical therapy,” Cr Lamont said.
