Creative programs that transform lives
Creativity Australia News
Sowing Seeds – A Feature On Shaun Islip
September 6, 2012I love stories. I believe in the idea of stories being able to show us what it means to be human. One person’s story can be unique and very different from our own and yet its deeper meanings we know and feel in our bones. I think that is universally true; we can all understand another’s personal experience in some important and mutually enriching way. Shaun Islip, our fearless choirmaster, participates in an interview.
Miriam: We probably all have little stories that family or friends like to trot out and tell about us. Sometimes they capture something about our true character that was clearly evident at an early age. Do you have a story like that?
Shaun: Not exactly but there’s a recent experience I’ve had that I think is that kind of a story. When I was 8 or 9, my mum enrolled me in a church choir, in Durban, South Africa. The choirmaster introduced us to all kinds of beautiful religious works and I built up a huge background that embedded itself through music. It wasn’t until my late 20s that my faith firmed but looking back now, I see that the seeds had been sown at an early age. I didn’t stay in contact with the choirmaster but just a few weeks ago, I went to tea at the home of a cellist I have come to know. She is from South Africa and I told her about seeds being sown through my choir experience and she talked about her dad and his church, St Paul’s in Durban. It turned out that her dad and my choirmaster were one and the same. I realised I was carrying the mantle and it was now me who was sowing seeds. It was confirmation and affirmation of who I am and my mission.
Miriam: When did you know that music was going to be something of defining importance to you and what form did that realisation take?
Shaun: Music has always been a big part of my life. It is a precious gift that I never take for granted. I have experienced and observe daily its power to unite, to uplift, to bring joy, inspiration, healing and hope. It is such a privilege to help others discover and enjoy this amazing gift for themselves.
Miriam: What would be one of your favourite sayings? Does it influence how you face challenges?
Shaun: It would be a saying by a Christian martyr who reached out to a tribe and who ultimately was killed by that tribe. He said, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep in order to gain what he cannot lose.” This is about the promise of Eternal Life, in the face of all the questions for which mankind has no answer. These words are a source of strength and reassurance; they reaffirm where I am going so I can help others through encouragement, inspiration and care. I am sowing seeds of hope in the footsteps of my choirmaster, Errol Slatter.
Written by Miriam Potter, and thank you to Shaun Islip.
One Reason To Turn ‘You Can’t’ Into ‘I Will’
September 5, 2012The memory of being shouted at by my choir conductor at age 8 and being told to leave the choir is not one I’ve forgotten – I can still picture her – red flaming hair, high uplifted brows and a (shrill) voice that could render a room silent in seconds.
She was the musical director at my primary school, and had a very strong notion of how she wanted her choir to sound..and if you didn’t meet that requirement, then you would be forced to leave, disgraced. So it was just me and a group of boys whose voices had broken who were left unwanted, unable to participate because we simply weren’t good enough for this award winning choir. Countless students would leave the dreaded rehearsals in tears or utterly disenchanted – there was no fun in choir, it was an hour and a half a week where one would expect to be belittled, screamed at and humiliated.
Because of Mrs K, I still can’t quite comprehend the joy that I see on the With One Voice singers’ faces – a small part of me still expects that awful woman to burst in at any moment and to start screaming. The truly amazing thing about these choirs is that the singers are there 100% on their own free will – no one has marched them there – they loyally come every week and want to stay for as long as possible. Being carefully and lovingly guided by conductors who are there to make a difference creates a certain atmosphere that can’t be described – a home away from home, a sanctuary where the rest of the world melts away. The energy and pure happiness that fills the room is something that needs to be seen to be believed; previous to visiting some of the With One Voice choirs, I never thought that singing could be such an uplifting exercise, nor did I believe the tales of the euphoric effect of singing.
So my message is for anyone out there who has been told that they shouldn’t, or that they can’t – don’t listen to the dragonlady conductor, because you’re missing out on a truly authentic choir experience. No – you’re missing out on one of the purest forms of joy. And why would you deprive yourself of happiness?
Written by Paige Klimentou.
Sydney Sings Soirée A Success!
September 5, 2012On Tuesday 28th August, conductors Elizabeth Lecoanet and Shannon Brown hosted a special soirée for Sydney Sings, celebrating their debut performance – the doors to the Pitt St Uniting Church were opened to the public, who joined the choir in an open rehearsal, enjoyed a performance and then shared supper with the choir.
The Soirée was attended by Sydney Morning Herald reporter, Malcolm Brown, who later reported on the event. The Soirée was a huge success – congratulations to the Sydney Singers. Elizabeth was interviewed on the ABC Radio PM Program, and Tania de Jong AM was also featured on 702 ABC Radio Sydney.
Please click here for some more photos and videos of the evening – congratulations to all involved!
Sydney Sings is always welcoming new members – why not visit them at the Pitt St Uniting Church on Tuesdays at 5.30 – 6.45pm?
Deakin Staff and Students Celebrate Launch!
September 5, 2012In partnership with Deakin University, we proudly launched Deakin Sings on August 27th with over 90 staff and students in attendance!
Enthusiastically led by conductor Adrian Portell, the group quickly found themselves establishing new friendships and connections – you can see by the photos and video that a great time was had by all.
We’re looking forward to seeing the choir grow – perhaps a staff/student sing-off is on the cards!
Deakin Sings is open to all Deakin University staff, students and is soon to be open to anyone from the surrounding Burwood Community. For more information and to get involved please see here or contact us.
For an interview with John Devereaux , Executive Director of Student Life at Deakin University Burwood click here.
John Deveraux Delights at Deakin Sings
September 5, 2012Creativity Australia’s Program Manager, Kathlin Mayer, conducted an interview with John Deveraux, Executive Director of Student Life at Deakin University Burwood, discussing the recent launch of the newly formed Deakin Sings choir. Thanks to John for taking the time to chat – we hope to see you having a sing soon!
Why did you choose to set up a choir at Deakin Burwood?
Having seen Creativity Australia’s choirs rehearse and perform at Melbourne Sings, I saw it as a great engagement opportunity to enhance and expand student to student, student to staff and staff to student relationships. We have a variety of community building programs at Deakin and saw this as an interesting and exciting opportunity to build upon what we already offer. There are also clear benefits for students who do not speak English as their first language.
What attracted you to engage Creativity Australia?
I was impressed with Creativity Australia’s professional approach, their access to conductors and overall expertise. Primarily their philosophy matched our objectives of creating connections and coming together with one voice around singing. We like it that Creativity Australia is not aiming to establish elite choirs, rather to create an opportunity for people to establish and strengthen relationships.
What would you see as a successful outcome of the program?
It will be important to maintain and grow the number of members, expand the breadth of participants to include a broad spectrum of students and staff, and eventually to open the choir to the general community.
You can see Deakin Sings in action here! Join them on Mondays, 5:00 – 6:30pm at Deakin University Burwood Campus, Richard Searby Room HD2.006, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood.
Deakin University really loves their choirs – Geelong Sings rehearses at the Deakin University Waterfront Campus!
Sydney Sings Serenades Sydney Morning Herald
September 3, 2012Following the Sydney Sings Soirèe, held at the Pitt St Uniting Church on Tuesday 28th August, we were featured in the Sydney Morning Herald. Thanks to Malcolm Brown for coming along and reporting on the event!
‘CHARLES LEON, 52, one of the stolen generation, who grew up in children’s homes and with a foster family, might not have a lot to smile about but with the new community choir Sydney Sings, which had its inaugural public performance this week, there were plenty of smiles.
Mr Leon was born in Bellingen in 1960. He comes from the Biripi people on his mother’s side and the Warrami people on his father’s. He has come with his didgeridoo to accompany the choir when it joins in a worldwide song, Good Earth Singers, in December.
That is when community choirs all around the globe will use their mobile phones and apps to sing the one song, in succession at allocated times, and choristers using those devices will listen to their fellow singers in Nigeria, Russia, France …’ [Read]
Arts & Health National Policy Underway
August 7, 2012We were delighted to travel to Canberra last month to participate in the National Arts and Health Policy Forum.
The Forum was attended by senior representatives of government arts and health agencies (including exponents of arts and health. They included clinicians, researchers and academics, philanthropists, a number of members of the Arts and Health Working Group), and by many of Australia’s leading artists, senior health services personnel, consumer groups, Aboriginal health agencies, arts and disability organisations and community based arts and health advocates.
Those at the Forum provided advice to the Arts and Health Working Group on the possible content and Health Policy Framework will lead to a more cohesive approach to knowledge sharing, sector and purpose of a National Arts and Health Policy Framework. They discussed how a National Arts development and increased resourcing for contemporary arts and health research and practice – with beneficial impacts on the health and wellbeing of the Australian community.The Forum bought leading artists, health professionals and policy writers together to in the nation’s capital to push for a National Arts and Health Policy.
A Digital Showcase of leading arts and health practice from across the country demonstrates why it is so important to integrate the arts in Australia’s national health policy.
Read the Press Release from the forum working group.
Watch Simon Crean’s presentation to the Forum.
Download a copy of the National Arts and Health Policy Campaign Handbook to add your stories to this growing collection.
Written by Ewan McEoin.
Gilbert + Tobin Do Workplace Wellness
August 6, 2012Adding to the strength of Sydney Sings, we are pleased to partner with Gilbert + Tobin Lawyers. It’s great to see this company giving their employees an opportunity to attend choir, to sing and mentor others.
According to the Black Dog Institute, we spend at least a third of our life, and half of our waking hours, at work. It is important, therefore, to recognise whether we (and our fellow staff!) are satisfied at work, and to identify what aspects we are happy with and whether other aspects need attention.
What is wellbeing in the workplace?
The work of Professor Martin Seligman and other positive psychology pioneers clearly shows that what counts at work is generated by a workplace that:
• Encourages personal growth
• Gives a sense of autonomy and confidence
• Promotes positive relationships with co-workers
• Fosters a clear sense of purpose and self-acceptance.
• The impact workplace wellbeing has on mental health is being increasingly recognised.
And so too is the power of group singing!
The With One Voice community choir program harnesses this power, our program provides organisations with many opportunities to improve the overall wellbeing of their workplace.
Gilbert + Tobin believe that involvement in our choir programs is an excellent strategy for their organisation to positively build the wellbeing within their workplace!
The diversity of our choir membership provides a great opportunity for Gilbert + Tobin staff to grow and extend their professional and community networks.
For more research on Workplace Wellness >> read more
What Are The Benefits of Art Therapy?
August 6, 2012One soggy winter’s eve, a year ago, I was traveling home on the route 86 tram, enjoying the onboard human spectacle that is almost guaranteed on a Friday night after Happy Hour is over. Two animated youngish women initiated a conversation with me and I was so caught up in it that I missed my stop. We had been creating personalities and life stories for our fellow travellers: a look, a gesture, an article of clothing; these women had a sharp eye for detail and an uncanny ability to invent a seemly human context for it all. As I said a hurried good-bye, one of the women squeezed my arm and said, “Hope you understand, we can’t help ourselves; we’re art therapists”.
What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of communication. Most commonly, art therapy involves drawing or painting, but the artistic expression can also take place through photography, sculpture or ceramics. All forms of art can embody ideas so the list of arts therapies available includes music therapy, dance movement therapy, poetry therapy and many more. Professionals, trained in art and psychotherapy, develop interactive scenarios that connect with various aspects of the client’s whole person (mind, body, spirit) and using the creative process of art-making, work to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages.
Clients may have a wide range of difficulties, disabilities or diagnoses including emotional, behavioral or mental health problems, learning or physical disabilities, life-limiting conditions, brain-injury or neurological conditions and physical illness. Equally, clients may be on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, wanting to reveal and revel in the unconscious realms of their being. Through creating art and reflecting on the art products and processes, people can increase awareness of self and others, cope with symptoms, stress and traumatic experiences, enhance cognitive abilities, and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of making art.
How did that chance encounter on the 86 tram last year lead me to explore this topic? As I am a person who seems to forget the random events that others remember, recalling this one so clearly is remarkable (especially as I had been having a rather Happy Hour myself). My explanation is that this incident is a marker along a route I had unknowingly been on for some time, one that brought me to a With One Voice choir, not at all aware that I was seeking solace but most definitely finding it.
Within each choir member, I can now see an art therapist, administering to his and her deeper needs and those of acquaintances, bridging gaps, constructing meaning and coherence, hope, acceptance, ambition and self-trust. It happens individually and on a subconscious level but after an hour’s singing, the beneficial effects are clearly visible; cheeks and eyes are glowing and it’s an unbroken chain of happy faces traveling in a semi-circle, from the sopranos to the basses, just like a smile.
Written by Miriam Potter.
Brand New Songbook 2012 Has Arrived!
June 29, 2012
Creativity Australia is proud to present its first ever With One Voice Songbook!
The book is 50 pages in full colour, and contains lots of classic songs with contributions from all of the With One Voice conductors.
All registered choir members will receive a free copy once the choirs resume after the holidays.
With One Voice Welcomes Wellbeing!
June 28, 2012We recently published an innovative guide to member well-being. Since our launch in 2009, the With One Voice Choir community choir programs have endeavoured to encourage diversity, build capacity and create opportunity within our community. With 12 choirs throughout Melbourne, and two newly launched interstate choirs in Canberra and Sydney, this program has always had an incredible scope for impact and has helped people from all walks of life ‘find their voice’.
This success has in turn lead to the expansion of the organisations reach, with various new programs and initiatives launching in 2012, including the implementation of the Wellbeing Initiative – a initiative that will see us improve our capacity to support, empower and encourage our members within and beyond choir rehearsals. (more…)
Introducing the Canberra Sings Choir
June 26, 2012In partnership with the Canberra Hospital we launched Canberra Sings on May 14th. This new initiative aims to unlock creative potential, create wellness and build stronger connections between the staff and local Canberra community. Music is proven to have healing properties and we are delighted to fill the hospital with singing voices. Canberra Sings is open to all Canberra Hospital Staff, patients and anyone from the surrounding Canberra community. For more information and to get involved please see here or contact us.
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