Our Stories

Since attending the New Voice Choir, I find my voice power and breathing have improved greatly. Singing with other people and practising at home using the practice tracks doesn’t seem to be a chore – I thoroughly recommend it to anybody.

Our Musical Director, Linda, is a marvellous communicator and passes on her wealth of knowledge in a manner we can understand. Since she also has Parkinson’s, she relates far better to our position than by reading it out of a book!

The Fun, Fellowship and Friendship shows through in our members – we are all concerned for each other’s health and welfare.

When we perform publicly, our combined voices are very inspiring and I feel my inner desire to be able to sing on stage has finally succeeded. I am so thankful to the NVC and our talented Musical Director, Linda – you have brought great happiness to me.

When some friends invited me to join them in New Voice Choir I was sceptical. I knew nothing about singing and had had no musical training at all. I had though enjoyed folk songs over many years and enjoyed the experience of singing with other people.

I went along with no expectations other than to survive the experience.

I have now been in the choir for a little over 12 months. I have made friends and am thankful for the support of fellow Parkies.

Our Choir Director frightened me at first. She is so knowledgeable and sets the bar high. I floundered with my lack of musical knowledge. Now I have come to appreciate her wealth of experience and her ability to get the absolute best out of everyone in the choir.

Being in this choir is such an uplifting experience. I want to contribute as best as I am able to what is a wonderful group of people with a remarkable voice to share.

We may have Parkinson’s but we can still SING!

The New Voice Choir under Linda McIntyre’s inspirational direction has become a highlight of my weekly activities – it’s not just another therapy or exercise session. It’s about real music, learning, creativity, hard work, fun, laughter and friendship.

It’s about enjoying and being proud of how good we sound – of what we have accomplished, and the exciting future we see as a unique choir for and about people with Parkinson’s.

Sharing another interest with my wife, Elaine, is always desirable. Singing makes me think about increasing the volume in my voice. There are plenty of laughs and, apart from the serious part, it is enjoyable socially.

Since childhood, I have suffered from sinus/throat infections and migraine that made singing painful. I love choral and orchestral harmonies and hoped that one day I might ‘find my voice’ and be able to join in part-singing.

While still working at Canossa Rehabilitation Hospital, I noticed a poster advertising the formation of a new choir for people with Parkinson’s and their supporters. That seemed a non-threatening way to ‘find’ my voice in later life and, at the same time, be supportive of people living with Parkinson’s Disease (some of whom I already knew as patients).

Since retiring, NVC has given me purpose and rewards I never dreamt possible. Linda’s exceptional musical leadership and enthusiasm and the camaraderie with fellow choir members is addictive. There is such triumphal joy in making beautiful music in a group, bonded by the determination to meet challenges head-on.

The journey for this special choir has only just begun. I hope to be able to help and support others to enjoy an exciting and fulfilling ride, too.

To quote our first stunningly challenging song, “To feel the rhythm of life, to feel the powerful beat, to feel the tingle in your fingers, to feel the tingle in your… Life!!!

I love the fellowship and the opportunity to learn more about music. I particularly appreciate Linda’s enthusiasm and inspiring musical knowledge – and she can be lots of fun!

Sometimes it can be very tiring mustering the energy to attend (rehearsals) but then I’m always delighted when I have.

It’s a delight and a privilege to be part of the choir.

NVC has given me stress relief, new friendships and lots of fun!