The Isle of Man Government Staff Choir invite the public to join them for a series of “Facebook Live” weekly choir sessions in April for Stress Awareness Month whilst the Isle of Man remains in lockdown.

The sessions will be run by choir leader Mandy Griffin, who facilitated weekly sessions for the Isle of Man Government staff members prior to lockdown. Mandy will be running a fifteen-minute session from the Isle of Man Arts Council Facebook page every Wednesday at 1pm throughout April. These sessions will be open to the any members of the general public wishing to participate in a low-pressure, informal setting.

Mandy Griffin, said: “I’ve seen other friends both on and off the Island offering short sessions to their choirs via Facebook, and just thought we should give it a go. Using Facebook means it’s very informal as I can’t see or hear anyone, so hopefully there’s no pressure for those taking part and everyone feels free to sing out and just enjoy the benefits of a quick sing during the working-from-home day.

I think the main thing is that people don’t come expecting that it’s going to be anything demanding, onerous, or requiring a lot of their time.”

Singing is a psychosocial activity shown to improve social support, increase positive emotions, and reduce fatigue and stress. Many studies show that group singing can reduce anxiety, depression and increase wellbeing.

The sessions will run for fifteen minutes and will include breathing and vocal exercises and then a simple song at the end, with the purpose being that it provides a short ‘break’ to routine and a chance to get a bit of oxygen flowing.

The Arts Team encourages any and all members of the public to participate and enjoy the benefits of group singing for their mental wellbeing. More details can be found on iomarts.com or via the Isle of Man Arts Council Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/artscounciliom

The Isle of Man Government Staff Choir

The Isle of Man Government Staff Choir is a well being initiative, set up and run by the Isle of Man Arts Council. Sessions take place at St. George’s Church every Wednesday at 1pm and are open to all members of the Isle of Man Government Staff.  The musical director of the choir is Dr Mandy Griffin, and the choir is accompanied by David Holland. 

The choir has performed at various functions around the Island and are prize winners at the Manx Music Festival.