Singing sessions led by a professional singer are helping residents of a Darlington retirement village develop their voices, stay active and enjoy music together.
Around 40 residents regularly take part in the weekly Singing for the Soul sessions at Middleton Hall Retirement Village, from those living in independent retirement properties and supported apartments to residents in care services at the integrated retirement community in Middleton St George near Darlington.
The sessions, which form part of Middleton Hall’s focus on residents’ health and wellbeing, are structured around vocal exercises and familiar songs. They are led by Wellbeing Coordinator Ayme Fitzgerald, a professional singer with more than 30 years’ experience who also runs Spotlight Performing Arts Theatre School in Middlesbrough and Saltburn.
Each session combines singing with breathing techniques, scales and movement.
“The exercises can help strengthen the muscles used for singing and breathing and residents also enjoy a hand jive or get up to dance at the end of the session;” said Ayme. “Familiar songs can spark conversations and recollections, while singing together gives residents an opportunity to socialise and feel part of a shared experience.”
It’s not just residents who have been inspired by the sessions. Middleton Hall Commis Chef Sam Wilks also joins whenever his kitchen duties allow to share his own musical talents. Sam studied Performing Arts at Stockton Riverside College before becoming a chef and has played guitar since he was a teenager.
“I offered to come along and play because, like Ayme, I know what music does for people,” he said. “I can see the difference it makes to our residents even if they can’t express it themselves. I’ve been playing guitar since I was 13 and I’ve performed in hard rock bands. Now I’m playing songs by Neil Diamond and The Carpenters!
“It really is a two-way relationship. Residents get to enjoy songs that are a part of their lives, and I get to see the looks on their faces and the joy I’m helping to bring to the room.”
Residents are encouraged to request their favourite songs, with previous choices including music by Tom Jones, Cliff Richard, Barbra Streisand and John Denver, while 'Lily the Pink' by The Scaffold is a current favourite. Retirement property resident, Roger Stephenson, said Wednesday mornings have become a highlight of his week.
“If you ask my family they will all say how much I look forward to Wednesday mornings!” he said. “The togetherness that it brings, bringing back memories – when I look around the room everyone knows all the words.”
Roger’s neighbour, fellow resident Yvonne Tilley, said it is one activity she never wants to miss.
“In my opinion, it’s the best morning of the week!” she said.
“It’s a pleasure to come with lovely people. It’s fully appreciated by everyone, and everyone leaves smiling.”
For Geoff Mansfield, who lives in Middleton Hall’s supported apartments with his wife Sheila, the sessions are also a chance to enjoy Ayme’s energy and the company of others. A pianist himself, Geoff previously accompanied productions by his local Gilbert and Sullivan Society. He is now resurrecting his piano-accompanying skills after Ayme asked him to play for an upcoming Christmas concert for Middleton Hall’s resident and co-owner choir.
“Ayme is the reason we go. The energy she puts into the sessions is entertaining in itself -she’s fabulous,” said Geoff.
“The breathing exercises make you feel very relaxed and the company of everyone in the group is great. It’s the highlight of the week. Leo, the Restaurant Manager, often comes in to dance when we have coffee at the end, which is great fun.”
Ayme said one of the strengths of Singing for the Soul is that residents can participate in whatever way suits them.
“Everyone can take part, from our residents who live independently to those living in care, including residents living with dementia. Even those of our residents who are non-verbal can make the shape of words or simply enjoy the music. It’s lovely to see how a song can unlock a memory or start a conversation,” she said.
“Sometimes people will laugh, sometimes they will become emotional, but they are all experiencing something together. That is what makes the sessions so special.”
