The Every Voice Community Choir was created as a therapeutic activity for people living with dementia and their carers by our team in West Dumbartonshire. Led by choir master Bryan Marshall, the fortnightly rehearsals have brought laughter, joy and friendship to its members.
Time line
6 September 2016
After high demand for a dementia friendly singing group, the Every Voice Community Choir meet for the first time as a small group of 15.
14 December 2016
The Every Voice Community Choir perform their first Christmas concert to the public in St Augustine's Church, Dumbarton.
Early 2017
Now an established choir, the group begin performing in hospitals to people with dementia, to give back to their community.
Timeline 2
5 June 2019
The choir feature on BBC's Make a Wish, performing with Scottish Ballet for their 50th birthday and performing at the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh.
5 January 2021
Scotland goes into lockdown. Throughout the pandemic, rehearsals are a lifeline to members who meet daily online despite hardship and losses.
29 July 2021
Choir master Bryan Marshall is nominated as one of BBC Scotland's People of the year, announced live on stage with Del-Amitri!
Timeline
29 June 2022
The choir is reunited in person for the first time since the pandemic. During the emotional reunion they sing 'Only You' in tribute to lost loved ones.
5 September 2022
The choir record Bill Wither's 'Lean on Me' for Alzheimer Scotland's Winter Campaign and debut the song at the annual conference.
Coming soon...
The Choir inspire and star in Alzheimer Scotland's winter fundraising campaign.
Quote
Leading Every Voice Community Choir along with the dedicated team at Alzheimer Scotland is an absolute honour for me. Its fabulous members are an inspiration to me every time we sing together.
Six years ago, little did I know what amazing friends I would make and the experiences that lay ahead when I stepped into a small hall on a sunny September day in Dumbarton
