Special Interest Choirs

Recommendations
1. Sort out the how, who and where
It’s important to think about the practical side of things before you get members.
Where will you practice? Who will help with contacts? So, you need insurance?
There’s lots of help for these questions here, at Sing Ireland – setting up choirs:
https://www.singireland.ie/content/files/Sing-Ireland-Setting-up-a-choir-2020.pdf
2. Recruit within the healthcare community
Connect with healthcare workers who are trusted in the community. They
can recommend the choir to any patients that they feel will benefit from it.
Occupational therapists, district nurses, GPs can all be contacted.
3. Repetition, regularity and reliability
It is important to meet regularly and to stick to a routine that participants are
comfortable with. The reassurance of an ongoing routine can be vital for the mental
health of participants.
4. Ask and understand
Get to know your participants and make sure that they are happy and comfortable
within the choir. Recognize the different levels of experience and illness and work
within the parameters they create.
5. What might you sing?
Shape your repertoire around your members, listen to their suggestions and create
music that they want to sing.
6. Be prepared
Like any other choir, you need to be prepared, but also have a back-up plan in case
something doesn’t work or proves to be too difficult.
7. Learn from others
Contact other choirs and listen to their advice and guidance, they can save you
time and worry, as they’ve been down this path before and know what works and
what doesn’t.
8. Performance
Performances can unite and inspire a choir. Be sure that your performance is suited
to your members and doesn’t undermine the confidence you have helped them
develop. Don’t underestimate the importance for self worth of being seen.
12 / AGEING VOICES Guidebook 2