And what a year it will be! I have some exciting new challenges, opportunities and ideas in mind for our chorus groups this year.
In reflecting on the nature of community music, it reinforces the 'pebble in the pond' concept. We never know just how much effect we have on others, even with the smallest contribution.
In Newcastle, Mark Jackson's Ukulele initiative is a perfect example - from a small beginners session a few short years ago, the Newkulele initiative has exploded to thousands of community members now experiencing the joy of making music, as well as making new friends and finding their connection to their community.
As singers, we make a difference when we share ourselves and our love of song with others in the community - whether that be in a concert format to groups or events, or simply busking in the street. The thing IS, that we never know just how far our ripple may spread! For example; this comment from someone recently - "I went along reluctantly, I was having a tough time and a bad day, the music just lifted me to another place as if a load on my shoulders was being lightened. I felt so much better at the end of the concert and when I got home I was so relaxed that I had an inspired thought which just might solve one of my problems. Thank you so much for a lovely afternoon.
Now, we'll never know who the person was or what problems they had, or what solution they found or what effect their change in attitude had on someone close to them....but simply doing what we do, made a difference to somebody. And how many OTHER somebody's might we have helped at that same event? We'll never know.
And that's the ripple effect of a pebble in a pond. We never know how far the ripple will travel.
Wishing you all a more music-filled year ahead
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