Discipline:
Music/arts organization
Organization/Affiliation (no abbreviation):
SANTA FE DESERT CHORALE
Location:
SANTA FE, NM 87501
United StatesEmail:
Short biography and a description of your interest(s) in music and health:
The Santa Fe Desert Chorale (SFDC), one of the nation's premier professional vocal ensembles, has been exciting, engaging, and inspiring diverse audiences with the beauty and power of great choral music since 1982. The Chorale's roster is made up of professional vocalists from across the nation who come together three times a year for the ensemble's winter, spring, and summer concert seasons. In addition to providing exceptional choral programming, the Santa Fe Desert Chorale is also deeply committed to giving back to the Northern New Mexican community it calls home.
The Desert Chorale's Hearts in Harmony program has been bringing voice to the voiceless since 2017. In collaboration with the Interfaith Community Shelter (ICS), this program provides weekly community singing sessions at ICS to those experiencing homelessness. This program is led by SFDC vocalist Sarah Nickerson and community leader Angela Gabriel and acts as an alternative health program by creating a space open to all regardless of musical talent, mental or behavioral challenges, or substance use. Participants are able to build community and express themselves through the power of singing together. ICS staff report correlations of decreased instances of violence and increased sobriety with program participants, and CHRISTUS St. Vincent's has also reported a correlation between participation in our program and a decrease in emergency room visits.
The Desert Chorale's Hearts in Harmony program has been bringing voice to the voiceless since 2017. In collaboration with the Interfaith Community Shelter (ICS), this program provides weekly community singing sessions at ICS to those experiencing homelessness. This program is led by SFDC vocalist Sarah Nickerson and community leader Angela Gabriel and acts as an alternative health program by creating a space open to all regardless of musical talent, mental or behavioral challenges, or substance use. Participants are able to build community and express themselves through the power of singing together. ICS staff report correlations of decreased instances of violence and increased sobriety with program participants, and CHRISTUS St. Vincent's has also reported a correlation between participation in our program and a decrease in emergency room visits.
Collaboration Interests:
We would love to expand our program to support other vulnerable populations and alternative health programs. We would also be interested in collaborating with researchers and/or programs with more experience quantifying the effects we are seeing our program have on our participants. As of yet, evidence of the effect of Hearts in Harmony has been limited to correlational observations, personal experiences with the participants, and testimony from staff and volunteers.
Keywords:
Singing, Community Singing, Community, Choral, Homelessness, Mental Health
Website Links: