Voices raised in support of music therapy

Trustees cut the cake at last. Photos, Neil Shepherd.

A singalong was part of the launch.

A trust that was set up in 2018 has waited a long time for its official launch, which was held last month, on February 26.

The Kahikatea Music Therapy and Community Arts Trust’s main project is Sing Up Rodney therapeutic singing groups, held in Orewa and Warkworth. The singing sessions assist people with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s or stroke by improving breathing and vocal strength and, for people with dementia, connecting favourite tunes with memories. The sessions are also a social outlet.

Founding trustee and music specialist Alison Talmage says the launch of the Kahikatea Music Therapy and Community Trust has been planned and postponed three times for various reasons, including last year’s lockdowns.

She says it was important to eventually hold a function to bring together and thank supporters, including Whangaparaoa MP Mark Mitchell, Gary Silipa of Arts Access Aotearoa and Music Therapy NZ president Linda Webb.

Around 50 people attended the launch, held at St Chad’s church hall in Orewa. It included speeches from founding chair Lady Rhyl Jansen, chair David Talmage and Mark Mitchell, as well as displays about the trust and afternoon tea. Everyone joined in the singing of two waiata.

Alison says the trust hopes to link up with other local community groups and schools.

She says lockdowns have had an impact on the numbers attending the singing sessions.

Sing Up Rodney meets on Thursday mornings, 10.30am-12.30pm in Warkworth Methodist Church Hall.

She says anyone who would like to join a supportive daytime singing group is welcome to come along.
Info: Sing Up RodneyNZ on Facebook.