After a few weeks of feeling despondent about the state of world affairs, I decided to rejoin a community choir I was a member of ten years ago. And what a salve it has been. Whilst, it’s still difficult not to feel alarmed and despondent at times, the feeling of connectedness and meaning bring me so much comfort.

And then…. I came across these two articles.
Why does music make us feel things?
Church hymns and social beers: how Australia is reviving the magic of singing together

Such special, synchronous timing. And what uplifting, thoughtful and beautifully written and edited pieces. They have made my week (month!). The media landscape is one that I need to tread carefully around at the moment (not wanting to magnify my despondency) and your arts and culture section is my go to for lifting of spirits. These articles are absolute stand outs, so thank you.

I wrote a few months back with some praise for a couple of articles on the power of music.

They resonated so strongly with me.

I discovered (on LinkedIn from memory) that editor was one of your interns and was so impressed.

And what a small world, being an Albion gal born and bred, I was watching a Westsider social media video which has as shared with me and hundreds of others in our hood (I’ll post it below) on the origins of the suburb Sunshine. It was such an fantastic video that I took note of the presenter and I’m pretty sure that it was made by your intern Harper.

It’s really resonated the community here (1000ish likes) and Harper obviously has fantastic  natural skills but I also wanted to commend you guys for undoubtedly some awesome skill development.

I’ve messaged the Westsider too with my feedback as I see it as really important to foster young, emerging super talent like Harper.