Partnering to bring music

St John of God Health Care has partnered with performing arts organisation Musica Viva to expand its arts and health program over the next new three years to deliver music programs in eight hospitals in Western Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.

28 Apr 2016

28 April 2016

In March this year, St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital commenced researching a musician-in-residence program which will be completed in mid-June 2016.

Musician Colleen Rees has been delivering - 'Viva Voices', a singing and song writing program attended by inpatients, outpatients and some of our caregivers.

To date, we have found this program has made a significant impact on both patients and caregivers. Feedback comments include:
• “It brings me to life”
• “makes you feel better inside”
• “good to get out of my room”
• “good to get out of my comfort zone”.

Caregivers have noted that participants are 'happy and very positive' when they return to the ward.

Through the partnership three schools in the Frankston area received a subsidised music education package. On Monday 21 March, Musica Viva In Schools ensemble “Amanaska” - a funky world music outfit that loops and layers all sorts of cultures and musical styles - gave a performance at Ballam Primary School, Karingal Heights Primary School, and Naranga Special School.
Jan Beilken from Ballam Park Primary School wrote about the performance and resources:

“Our students and staff enjoyed the concert this morning. It was just awesome! I can't thank you enough for nominating our school for this concert. The last three weeks of 'cramming' in preparation for this morning’s event was well worth it. Thank you also for the resources - which we have used extensively during music lessons over the last three weeks.

"Many of our students would not have seen live musicians before and the selection of music was fantastic and exposed our students to a world of musical and cultural diversity. The musicians themselves were clearly passionate about their music and I think our students will be talking about this concert for a long time! Thank you so much for this experience! It was truly wonderful!”
Sally Faulkner, CEO/DON at St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital said, “We were delighted that through this research project, these schools were provided with a ‘Musica Viva’ experience.”

Jenny, Speech Pathologist, who attended the Karingal Heights concert, said “It was pure joy. The children were so engaged. Smiles all round. Musicians were wonderful.”

Sally also said, “This has been a wonderful research project for our hospital and all involved, and a program we hope to continue with in the future”.