North Shropshire Big Sing Returns!

Culture & Events

The Holroyd Community Theatre hosted an exciting singing event for over 200 local school children. North Shropshire Music’s Big Sing joined forces with national charity Asthma + Lung UK to raise awareness on how singing and playing a musical instrument can actively promote good breathing technique and positively support those with lung conditions such as Asthma.

North West Community Fundraising Manager, Sally Heywood, extols: “We are so grateful to Moreton Hall Music staff for organising the Big Sing with Asthma + Lung UK which saw over around 200 pupils sing for lung health – an amazing achievement.”

The practical sessions were delivered by Moreton’s Head of Vocal Studies, Eleanor Diack, who explored a variety of breathing and vocal techniques through a fun and creative way. Moreton teacher, Mrs Dennison commented: “I thought their playful rhythmic rendition of Yellow Submarine was something to behold, Bravo!”

In addition to her extensive singing coaching at Moreton, Ellie also works for the NHS and is one of their highly regarded ‘Singing for Lung Health’ practitioners. “In my capacity as an NHS practitioner, I have first hand experience working with those with breathing and lung conditions,” said Ellie. “Some conditions can be highly debilitating, but it is heartening to see how a regular weekly singing sessions can benefit patients and improve their quality of life.”

Ellie and the Shropshire Music team were joined by Sally Heywood from Asthma + Lung UK who demonstrated (with the aid of her coloured ‘Lung’ T-Shirts!) how environmental changes can affect lung conditions and sought to scientifically educate how singing can support and improve those experiencing difficulties. Sally explains: “More than 12 million people in the UK will get a lung condition during their lifetime and have to deal with breathlessness which can be terrifying. Many people with lung conditions say that singing helps them to feel less short of breath and more in control of their breathing, so it’s great that pupils will be using the power of their voices to raise awareness and funds for the charity.”

“What an event: it was a fascinating day – everyone learnt something: I had no idea that Beethoven was asthmatic! A super day for creative thinking and learning and a refreshing way to raise awareness for such an important issue,” enthused Helen Rayner, Moreton Hall’s Director of Music. “The event was not just a great opportunity to bring young people together through song, but it has raised awareness that engaging in singing and playing a musical instrument can positively benefit sufferers, and help to promote a better way of life for those struggling with lung conditions.”

Asthma + Lung UK offers support, advice and information through their helpline and website, fund ground-breaking research into treatments and cures and campaigns for cleaner air and better care for everyone with a lung condition. Sally added: “Through the support of events like this, we will fight for every breath so that one day we will have a world where everyone can breathe with healthy lungs.”

To find out more, visit www.asthmaandlung.org.uk