Dr Christa Wood, Founder and Manager, started this choir in Gerringong in 2022. It was the result of a request from the Alchemy Chorus Canberra, who wanted to support other dementia inclusive choirs to replicate their success. The Canberra Chorus has been operating since 2016 under the guidance of Brian Triglone, OAM and his team. They have over 100 participants, singing a variety of well-known songs, performing at concerts and even had appearances on TV's ABC Australia Wide, and recently featured in a Four Corner program on Dementia by Norman Swan. We are very grateful for the support and assistance from the Alchemy Chorus Canberra to help us set-up and grow our very own chorus in the Kiama, Gerringong and Berry area (South Coast NSW).
The name ‘Alchemy’ represents the blending of various elements to make something valuable, which is the aim of our choir. We are an inclusive working choir and welcome those living with dementia who are still able to benefit from and contribute to practices and performances, and their care partners. There are no auditions, and every voice is valued.
The Alchemy Chorus South Coast is a program of the Rotary Club of Gerringong Sunrise Inc.
Jenny Ferguson is donating her time and musical talent to direct and conduct the Alchemy Chorus. Christa Wood, Founder and Dementia Advocate, who also started the Dementia Inclusive Dancing Program, is organising and managing this project with the help of local Rotarians and community volunteers. John McKenna is providing his talent to accompany our choir on the piano and Ken Freeman uses his percussion skills on the washboard, bongo and various other instruments, whilst Denis Langley is adding glamour with his trumpet.
Our choir offers an activity to be enjoyed by both, participants (those living with dementia) and their carer (relative or friend). The responsibility on a carer is immense and often constant, so a weekly opportunity to engage in an activity that can be enjoyed by both and where carers can share experiences and provide support to each other is an important consideration for our choir. For this reason, our choir is not designed for paid carers.
While we target participants in the early to mid-stages of dementia, we never ask anyone to leave as their dementia progresses.
Our Choir relies on donations and grants to meet the ongoing costs as we want to ensure everyone can afford to be part of our experience. We are very grateful to our sponsors:
If you would like to help please get in touch - info@alchemychorus.org
To love a person is to learn the song in their heart, and sing it to them when they have forgotten.
Anne Garborg
