The Conservatorium’s newest community choir, BrainWaves, has been invited to perform at Parliament House in Sydney for the launch of Stroke Awareness Week 2014 on 8 September.

Activities will run nationwide until 14 September, aiming to raise awareness and understanding of stroke, as well as to encourage prevention. The launch provides the Stroke Recovery Association of NSW with the opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable services provided by both stroke clinicians, as well as Stroke Recovery Club volunteers.  According to the National Stroke Foundation, stroke is a leading cause of disability and is Australia’s second biggest killer after coronary heart disease.

The high profile performance will further enhance the stroke survivor choir’s growing audience network and community standing. BrainWaves’ talent and unique member composition have stirred media interest, with last year’s inclusion in SBS TV’s Insight program launching the group to a wider national audience. [Watch the video online here.]

The choir is comprised of stroke survivors from across the Hunter, with the original singing group formed in 2012 as part of a research study into the impact of singing on stroke recovery by University of Newcastle researcher Bernadette Matthias.  Bernadette worked in collaboration with the University, Hunter New England Health, and the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, supported by National Stroke Foundation. While there was some risk the group would be discontinued following the end of the study, through the generosity of a private donor and the Conservatorium of Music, BrainWaves continues to thrive.

The BrainWaves Choir welcomes new members and rehearsals occur each Saturday of the school term, from 12noon to 2pm at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music’s Harold Lobb Concert Hall. Attendance for stroke survivors is free and afternoon tea is provided. For more information, phone 02 4921 8900 or email conservatorium@newcastle.edu.au