Bigger Hearts Choir.
The joy of singing together. The power of music and memory. A close, supportive community in Ballarat — every week.
The power of music and memory
Music has the power to provoke distant memories that may be fleeting. Musical perception, musical emotion, and musical memory can survive long after other forms of memory and cognitive function have disappeared.
By eliciting emotion and memories, music is a unique and powerful tool to foster interconnectedness for people living with dementia, their family, friends, and carers.
How the choir works
The Bigger Hearts Choir meets weekly and provides connection and joy through singing uplifting songs. As dementia can be an isolating and lonely experience, the enjoyment of the music — and the fellowship that singing together brings — is so valuable.
The choir is led by musician Geoff Hassall, and enables members to be part of a close and supportive community. After a couple of songs into the 90-minute session, members are smiling and laughing with others. It's very heartwarming.
The choir focuses on the intrinsic value of music to support people in our community who struggle with memory loss and isolation. The weekly choir time, the chats we have over the tea break, and the connection it creates — all of it supports members to understand what it means to stand by each other through the joy of music.
Music has a profound connection to personal memories. Listening to an old favourite song can take you back years to the moment you first heard it. Music and the Brain: Music and Memory
A 2009 study by cognitive neuroscientist Petr Janata at the University of California found that the upper medial pre-frontal cortex — also responsible for supporting and retrieving long-term memories — acts as a "hub" that links together music, emotions, and memories.
The choir in song
A glimpse of the Bigger Hearts Choir in song.
Come and sing with us
The choir is open to everyone affected by dementia — people living with dementia, their carers, family members, and friends. No singing experience needed. Just bring yourself.
Get in touch and we'll let you know when the next session is, and what to expect on your first visit. New members are warmly welcomed.
Music brings us together — your support keeps it going
Donations help us cover venue hire, music materials, and the small things that make every session welcoming.