CHAS and Scottish Opera 'on song' to mark anniversary

Rachel House offers support to young people with life-shortening conditions and their families

Something which "touches us all," and can create a "quick and really tangible bond". Just a couple of views on music's power to bring people together.

The Children's Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS), which offers support for children and young people with life-shortening conditions, has been seeking to take advantage of that power, marking its 21st year by linking up with Scottish Opera.

Artists have been visiting the organisation's two children's hospices and other sites around the country to create a song reflecting the experiences of children, young people, family members, staff and volunteers.

It all culminates in a performance on 1 June which also includes filmed elements, other music and scripted pieces of dialogue.

In a bright room at Rachel House, one of the hospices run by CHAS, staff, family members and some children have gathered together for a rehearsal ahead of the concert. They are all belting out the words and clearly really enjoying the experience.

Wide smiles

"Regardless of ability, music is the one thing that touches us all," said Alison Blair, the activities coordinator at Rachel House.

"I mean even if you have a hearing impairment you can still enjoy music because you can enjoy it through the vibration that comes with music. It brings such a lot to our children and our families."

For the last two weeks they have been working intensively with Scottish Opera on a programme which includes a song bringing together a wide range of experiences.

Working on the song has been a 'bonding experience' for those involved

"When you're very caught up in day-to-day life, it's really nice to stand back," continued Ms Blair, who has worked at Rachel House since the early days.

"There's one line in it, it says I wonder about the reasons why we do this and it says then I look and I see your smile is ten foot wide.

"That is the reason why we do it, because of the children and the joy that they have."

CHAS has two children's hospices, Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch. The hospices support the whole family in a range of ways including short planned breaks and emergency support. The organisation also provides a service at home.

One woman, at the hospice with her grandson for a visit, said the support the family gets is really important: "In my daughter's case (it's) knowing that someone's caring for him and she can relax herself while she's here and spend quality time with the other children.

"It's nice to be all together."

She added that her grandson has really enjoyed listening to all the music and singing.

'Humbling experience'

Working on the show has been something of a bonding experience.

"I think singing together just creates this quick and really tangible bond," said Martin O'Connor, who has directed the performance and put together the lyrics for the song.

"Everyone says they can't sing, they don't want to come to the choir rehearsal because they just feel embarrassed about it, but the minute they step into the room and try it, we really have them hooked.

The hospices provide a place where families can relax together

"It's just something very life affirming and everyone's together but also there's lots of technicalities about singing, using your breath and using your body and setting off various chemicals that make you feel really happy in your body."

Meanwhile, Rachel Drury, composer and music specialist on the project said it has been a "humbling experience" to work on it and that music is a "great leveller".

Tayside Police Choir and a local school choir have been helping with the singing have been

"We have some sad times," concluded Alison Blair "there's no getting away from that."

For that reason she has been particularly keen that the experiences of bereaved families be included in the project.

"But it is about celebrating life and the joy that our children can have and they have a great potential regardless of their ability to have fantastic enjoyment in life and really embrace life and we want to celebrate that enthusiasm."