Banbury Singing to Beat Parkinson’s will be restarting in a new location in September 2023
Where: St Hugh’s, Ruskin Rd, Banbury, OX16 9HU (use the car park entrance) – this is opposite Stanbridge House.
When: Tuesday from 11.00pm for Tea/Coffee & Biscuits with singing from 11.30
Dates: From September 5th 2023
Contact: Judith Sheridan, 07771 570 314
Contact us at: judithclaresheridan@gmail.com
WHY WE ALL NEED TO SING
All humans are moved and motivated by music. We hear a song on the radio and it
immediately carries us back to some time in the past. Perhaps to our school days, or to a
holiday destination, or to a loved one…..Music is one of the most powerful instincts we share. Mankind has expressed
themselves through music for millennia, and singing is the most primal and fundamental
means of musical expression.
Music has the power to transport us in so many ways - but singing can do much more. It
has the power to bring people and communities together. During lockdown there were
hundreds of online opportunities to take part in virtual choirs and many people joined
thousands of others spread across the world from the comfort of their own homes.
Singing also encourages deep breathing and releases endorphins, so we literally feel
better when we sing.
But you don’t need to be a “singer” to sing. Whether you sing in the shower, or at a
sports match, everyone has the capability to use their voice. You don’t need to have the
most beautiful instrument in the world, you don’t even need to sing in tune, you just need
to feel the joy of taking a deep breath and letting go, singing along to one of your
favourite songs at the top of your voice.
If you are diagnosed with Parkinson’s, singing can help in many more ways. Apart from
exercising all the muscles involved in breathing, a Sing to Beat Parkinson’s session can
help in the following ways:
By encouraging the use of facial muscles
By exercising the tongue and lip muscles
By improving diction
By exercising the vocal folds
By increasing volume and vocal range
By encouraging physical coordination
What will you find if you come to a Sing to Beat Parkinson’s session? You will not be in a
choir, you will not be expected to read music, you will not be expected to do anything
outside your comfort zone. You will be encouraged to exercise and strengthen the
muscles of the larynx, the face and body in an easygoing and enjoyable way