Musical director Martin Meader, who was given just two years to live following a cancer diagnosis in 2016, credits the healing power of music in helping him live with his condition.
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"Sound is an amazing healer," he told The Senior. "I was conducting at the time of my diagnosis and I made myself keep going. Listening to beautiful music makes you relax. In our classes we sing great music that makes you feel happy.
"If you feel happy your chances of your health improving rise dramatically. There is a lot of research and data to support this."
Martin wants more people to reap the benefits of community singing by joining him in a 1000 voice Christmas concert in Western Australia. He has been conducting his Born to Sing choirs, with branches in Melville, Joondalup and Rockingham, since 2008.
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When people come to choir, they might be depressed, anxious. But after 15 minutes that all goes
- Martin Meader
Last year the choirs combined to 1000 voices for a sell-out performance at the Perth Concert Hall. Two concerts are planned at the Fremantle Arts Centre in December 2024, which will include Beatles songs, and now is the time to register.
"When you sing with 1000 people the vibration that happens from the sound is quite amazing," Martin said. "It is hard to put into words what it is like when you see and hear the sounds and the happy faces.
"When we finished the concert last year the vibe was incredible. Everyone was so high, people were just shining, absolutely shining."
Born To Sing choirs, with ages ranging from 18 to 90, are audition-free and welcome anyone. Martin says everyone can learn to sing.
"It's a process like anything. It's a muscle you learn to use over time. You only need to put in 10 to 15 minutes a day and you improve very quickly."
Martin said the choirs create a community of like-minded people who are very supportive of each other.
"I realise that after experiencing the way I was supported when I was sick," he said. "Two women from the choir were nurses and they came and looked after me every day for two years.
"They would come early in the morning if I needed them. They would change my dressings, they came with me to hospital, they were my advocates.
"I have chemo every two weeks and will do so until I leave the planet ... I sing every day. It is the best anti-depressant, without a doubt.
"When people come to choir, they might be depressed, anxious. But after 15 minutes that all goes."
