Success in Nova Scotia

Sharing the Gift of Music

Music in the company of others can be the key to combating loneliness, according to Margie MacDonald of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. Since the Trinitarians Choir of New Glasgow began six years ago, they have both been a big part of Ms. MacDonald’s life.

"My husband died very suddenly, and it kept me away for one week," said Ms. MacDonald, age 69. "But I couldn’t stand to stay away any longer. It really got me through some dark days."

Now, she never misses a rehearsal.

"The whole Trinitarians Choir family put their arms around me, and they helped me get through it together," she recalls. "You can carry the gift of music throughout your life, no matter what age."

Reaching out

The potential for this type of profound individual impact is why the federal government funded the Trinitarians Choir for an outreach project called Music to Go, through its New Horizons for Seniors Program. The Program helps to encourage seniors across Canada to contribute to their communities, and to improve their social well-being by helping those in need, providing leadership, and sharing their knowledge and skills with others.

The project funding allowed the New Glasgow choir to purchase a portable digital piano and a new library of sheet music, enabling the members to take their show on the road. The choir has visited nursing homes, extended care facilities and churches across Pictou County and Halifax, a two-hour drive away.

"Music is a great boost to physical and mental health—but not just for our audiences," explained Heather Facey, President of the Trinitarians Choir. "Our 62 members are also getting great social and health benefits from learning new ways to sing, and travelling, and making new connections in the community." 

The choir, which includes many seniors, was the brainchild of Wayne Rogers, former Minister of Music for the Trinity United Church, and Monica George-Punke, Conductor for the Pictou District Honour Choir.

Active in the Community

The Trinitarians Choir has garnered awards and accolades, including a Gold Medal at the New Glasgow Music Festival, and has recorded a CD, Sing Joy, a live recording of a Christmas concert with the Pictou District Honour Choir. But the choir members’ work in the community is as significant as their musical accomplishments. They spearheaded the Christmas Carol Sing event to raise funds and awareness for the Pictou County Food Bank. They also hosted a special cabaret evening with the Chebucto Singers of Halifax for war veterans and war brides.

"The Music to Go project has enabled us to perform at venues we had to previously decline," said Ms. Facey. "We are reaching out to more seniors and groups than ever before. It’s been a lot of fun and an engaging experience for choir members." 

The Music to Go project was funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.

The New Horizons for Seniors Program empowers Canadian seniors to bring their energy and leadership to projects that benefit their communities, providing grants for community-based projects that promote the social participation and active living of older adults.

These community-based projects encourage seniors to share their skills, wisdom and experience with others and build bonds across generations.

Produced in 2005-2006