Thirteen enthusiastic choir members sang some old favourites (some playing ukuleles), encouraging the 20 residents present at Haddington Nursing Home to join in. There was even dancing in the audience.

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Michelle McBurney, Diversional Therapies Activities Officer at Haddington Nursing Home said Haddington residents enjoyed every minute.

“Ukulele is such a ‘foot-tapping sparkly-happy’ sound and Cool Choir are welcome anytime,” she said.

Choir co-leader and conductor-in-training Christine Davis said it was another wonderful experience for the choir members.

“They all thoroughly enjoyed sharing the joy of music with the residents of both facilities and encouraging them to sing along," she said.

There will be a celebration concert to mark the end of the Cool Choir's first year, with a supper dance at the Deepwater School of Arts Hall on Saturday, December 15. The event is open to the entire community and a professional vintage 1950/60's band from Tamworth, Wayne and the Wanderers, has been booked to ensure a rockin’ good night is had by all.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that singing releases endorphins and oxytocin, relieving anxiety and stress. Current research attests to the cognitive benefits of group singing/listening to music for all people, but especially the aged/dementia patients.

Cool Choir is supported by the Sing Your Age project as part of the NSW Ageing Strategy 2016-2020 through the NSW Department of Family & Community Services.