You said, I said. I forget why, how, when.

You said, "Wanna do something fun?"

I said, "Sing, As in song?"

Well here's a thing. I said I can't sing, but hey, charity.

Why not. I'm in. You said, "Cool."

I learnt that we can control the perceived restrictions and find the key to unlocking mind, soul and heart. Compassion and unconditional love is constantly present if I wish it to be. I learnt I have the pleasure in life to choose to be free and be free to choose. I learnt I can choose to be the change I wish to see.

Sharon

Before I joined TuneIN I had always been told I couldn't sing. After a few sessions with TuneIN I began to feel confident opening my mouth and letting the sound out. It's been a wonderful experience singing with the group.

A group of non-singers who train to be a vocal group raising money for charity.

Today I Sang

Not with you all. I sang hymns.

When I was young I was in the school choir, not for long. I couldn't reach the high notes and quickly realised I couldn't sing like the other children could. I learnt lip syncing as a tactical ploy to be like the others. I lip synced for years of hymns every Sunday.

I told Norman a few months ago that I can't sing and he gave me that look. You know the one. He cocks his head slightly to the right and purses his lips in a disapproving way. At the singing sessions Norman taught me to breath. I learnt to trust and learnt that I have a voice.

This morning we turned to page 175 in the hymn book and I realised there was some high notes to tackle. I took some regular breaths, I turned my whole body into a voice and I found my comfortable note. I sang. Quietly at first, unsteady and wobbly. I stood tall, shoulders back and imagined each note. Beginning it's creation deep in my tummy, resonating through me and finding a place at the back of my neck to find its own place to leave me. I sang. And Mia sang next to me. In our own space, harmonising and sounding amazing. The wall of this journey will be felt by us all at different stages. Mine was at the last session.

To make a difference and be the difference is our personal choice. Life dictates that if you step out to do something that will change perception, improve the quality of life we all take for granted, we will find that we also have a personal struggle to battle. Thank you all for assisting me in overcoming my perception of myself and allowing me to sing today.

Janine

Where do I start? I wanted to bring a group of friends and family together to meet up regularly, do something bold but not necessarily sport focused (Hilly Killy was done!) and raise awareness and money for charity. Singing is so personal yet such a lovely way to belong. Alzheimer's is all about not being left out and the two seemed a good mix. That anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Don’t listen to others negativity and go for it! The power of the voice is something we all have but take for granted... listening is a tool just as much as speaking / singing when it comes to communication. I learnt a lot more than I had bargained for around teamwork, leadership and trusting in my own ability, but more importantly creating an opportunity for others to shine. 

Lisa

TuneIN Founder

 


As soon as I was asked to be involved with the TuneIN group I knew I wanted to be a part of it. Apart from learning to sing it's about raising money and awareness for such a worthy cause and I feel very grateful to be a part of it. It's been an honour, privilege and the most amazing experience. Apart from having wonderful, fun, professional Norman as our voice coach, to guide and encourage us we were then blessed with the talent and creativity of Kate, our musical director.

After all the rehearsals I'm proud to be a part of this amazing, committed, dedicated choir. For me on a personal level with my love of music and signing it's been absolutely incredible and have loved learning and being part of this great group, hearing us all together in the studio made it very moving...WE CAN SING!  

Natalie

 
 

I’ve been told all my life that I couldn’t sing, so even though I love music and sing along when by myself, I always avoided singing with others and felt like I was missing out. Volunteering to learn to sing showed me that everyone has a voice (I’m still no Whitney Houston though!) and gave me the confidence to sing more and more, which I’ve absolutely loved! And the real bonus is knowing that it’s all for a great cause – thank you Lisa for giving me this wonderfully brilliant opportunity – something I shall never forget.

I got this amazing buzz after each of our singing sessions, it made me feel so invigorated and alive! 

Jane

 

I wanted to help with the CD because my big sister has Down’s Syndrome.

Lots of people with Down’s syndrome get Alzheimer’s so I wanted to help to raise money and awareness.

l feel really proud to be involved with this CD. 

EVE

I agreed to volunteer as I wanted to help & support you to raise money & awareness for a great cause, knowing that your energy & drive would make it a great journey to experience.

What I got out of it was how much energy you need to sing but most of all experiencing the great camaraderie & team work to reach our goal.

Helen

 

I only met Norman's mother once. 

She was a strong Jamaican woman, sitting quietly in a care home with her son and me, two visitors she pretended to be acquainted to. I held her hand and posed the question, "May I marry this man?"

She smiled, amused that she was somehow part of this story. A small pause, then with a tilt of the head and a warm Jamaican drawl she replied, 'Alright'.

She died soon after. Having met her the once was a gift.  Her blessing is so bittersweet, I missed her at our wedding and I still do miss her, wondering what could have been. 

That is why I support TuneIN. Alzheimer's takes away the irreplaceable. 

The amount of hard work and transformation in the choir has been truly outstanding. Norman, your mother would have been so proud of you.  

Tanya

TuneIN Events team 

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