Every Friday 1pm to 2pm, we facilitate an adult community singalong at the Invicta Club, 207, Luton Road, Chatham. We begin with a warm up using natural voice techniques, following the philosophy that everyone can sing. We are not looking for singing experience or a beautiful noise, just the willingness to experiment
next we sing approx. 9 songs in group karaoke fashion - no single person being exposed to singing alone. The words on a large screen and the recorded music amplified. The aim is to connect to the music for free emotional expression, while moving to the music in freeflow fashion provides exercise and frees the creative expression in our bodies. Finally, we have a segment where we sing and create our own words to familiar tunes. Themes for these songs include - what brought you to Medway, memories, Medway landmarks etc. Everyone is encouraged to participate, but no one is forced to contribute a verse if they don't want to. For regular attenders who wish to contribute more, we have a Whatsapp group, where the theme for the week is circulated and everyone is encouraged to nominate songs for the main list. Singalongers are invited to sing in local festivals and events - eg: Chatham Carnival, providing more awareness about local activities with opportunities for social bonding and friendship. This project is also about data collection for greater use of arts activities by public health/social prescribers. Participants are asked to fill in the Canterbury Health and Well-being scale at the beginning and end of session, with the support of Singing4Health. The project is funded by Arts Council England, as part of the Evolve Creative Health programme.
This project pilot at a range of sites across Medway is for adults living with COPD. COPD is a long-term condition of the lungs where the flow of air to the lungs is obstructed. These singalongs aim to provide a number of benefits to participants, including heart health, mental health, developing social connections and having fun! Join us for a karaoke-style singalong where we connect emotionally to hit songs from all eras! We will also have an opportunity to create our own songs along with a live ukelele backing track. No experience is necessary; just come and have fun!