When it comes to showing the beneficial effects of music, Kogarah Concert Band always hits the right note.
This was particularly true when Kogarah Concert Band’s 130th anniversary concert raised valuable funds for Calvary Hospital’s unique LifeMusic program which uses music to aid patients.
About 120 people attended the historic concert held at Mortdale RSL Club on June 17 celebrating Kogarah Concert Band’s achievement of being Australia’s oldest continuously operating concert band.
The concert saw 43 musicians provide 130 minutes of music.
Georges River councillor Leesha Payor spoke about the council’s association with the Kogarah Concert Band through its 130 years including with the previous Kogarah Council.
The commemorative cake was cut by Councillor Payor, Calvary Hospital’s diversional therapist, Suzy Flynn, and Kogarah Concert Band president Geoff Dickie and music director Ian Bown.
Last Thursday the band presented Calvary hospital with a check for $1500 which were the proceeds from the anniversary concert.
The check was presented by the Kogarah Concert Band president Geoff Dickie and was accepted by Calvary Hospital chief executive Drew Kear and Ms Flynn.
Kogarah Concert Band has been performing at Calvary Hospital for over 15 years including at many fetes and the hospital’s 50th anniversary celebrations on November 19, 2016.
“And like many organisations, Kogarah Concert Band has had five members in need of the Hospital’s Palliative Care,” Mr Dickie said.
“Some of our members have been grateful to use the Hospital’s Inpatient and Hydrotherapy Services.”
The LifeMusic is a program at Calvary Hospital based on research and trials which have shown the benefits of patients listening to their favourite music.
Benefits include a positive lift in mood, increased conversation and connection with staff, reduced anxiety, reduced falls, and a decrease in the patient’s perception of their pain.
Listening to their favourite songs can also increase a patient’s food intake, compliance with medication and their motivation.
Basically, music with deep personal meaning helps to bring joy, comfort and provides a patient with positive enjoyable experience.
In the LifeMusic program, the patient’s individual musical taste and life history are used to create a specialised playlist.