02. 08. 2016
Music Connect
Artist: Robert Petchell
Music workshops with SFHS Staff and clients in Victor Harbor and Create & Connect in Goolwa
Following the success of the Demolition Symphony, composer and music director Robert Petchell continued to meet with staff and clients of the Southern Fleurieu Health Service to explore further works. Robert ran two groups, one at Victor Harbor and the other at Create & Connect, a Health Service art facility in Goolwa for people living with the challenges of mental health and social isolation.
The Music Connect groups met and rehearsed for three free lunchtime concerts held at the Southern Fleurieu Health Service, Victor Harbor on Tuesday 16 September 2014, Tuesday 25 November 2014 and December 2014. The musicians played an assortment of hand drums and small percussion instruments combined with acoustic guitars and the ukulele, played by Steven Bennett.
Three of the songs performed at the concerts were group compositions with lyrics created by using a ‘photo snapshot’ approach. Each member of the group was asked to contribute a ‘snapshot’ by writing a short phrase or statement that related to the agreed theme of the song. These ‘snapshots’ were then arranged into a ‘collage’ forming the song’s lyrics.
In December 2014 a CD was produced featuring 4 of the groups songs.
Click on the image below to hear a selection of the songs.
Partner Outcomes
- two free lunchtime concerts for staff and clients
- improved wellbeing for staff
- creative outlet for stress management
- opportunity for cross departmental interactions
- breaking down of barriers between staff and clients
Music Connect emerged from the ‘Dressing the Building’ project. Click here to see the Change & Adaptation project map.
Matthew Bennett
