Music brings joy to Rachel House youngsters

Dec 10 2010 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

CHILDREN at Rachel House in Kinross are enjoying the benefits of live music thanks to the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) and a major sponsorship deal.

In what is the first long-term collaboration between a Scottish charity and a national performing arts organisation, RSNO musicians recently began a new, three-year musical residency – sponsored by construction giants Miller Group – for the children, young people and families who visit Scotland’s first children’s hospice.

The RSNO first became involved with Rachel House in April 2009, as part of a spring residency in Perth and Kinross.

Such was the positive response from children to the music, that even more youngsters are set to benefit from the project.

RSNO musicians interact with children, young people, families and staff at the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland premises on a one-to-one basis as well as in groups and structured sessions.

Rachel House activities team member Carla Halkett said: “We really appreciate the experiences and memories that the RSNO are creating for the children, young people and families who visit Rachel House.

“Music has a huge value for us, as it includes all the family, leaving aside age and ability to bring everyone together and help create special memories.”

“And the RSNO’s first set of visits in 2009 revealed that music and interactive, participative projects have a positive effect on the wellbeing of individuals, family groups, volunteers and staff.”

RSNO associate musician John Poultner, who participated in the first sessions at Rachel House in 2009, added: “Our visits to Rachel House give us a fantastic opportunity to use our skills as musicians in a completely different way.

“In working very closely with the children and young people we see the effect that music can have on their lives.

“Time spent at Rachel House is also very rewarding for the musicians. Working and having fun with the children and young people, seeing them have a great time and responding to the music, is very special.”

Listening activities and participatory games using singing, body percussion or instruments will all feature over the next 36 months.

In the first year, musicians will be visiting Rachel House for six all-day sessions, working with families.

Activities will be pitched at a level appropriate to age, experience and ability, and where possible, youngsters will be given a chance to perform.