Dear all,

If you’re not participating this year in the choir or orchestra but still want to get involved, here are some options to consider:

1. Hold a sign during the piece: A Thought Storm
2. Usher at one or both concerts

You could also do both of these!

A THOUGHT STORM – HOLD A SIGN

There is an important moment towards the end of the concert, in one of the final pieces, in which a group of people are needed to hold up signs. You can see an example in this video: https://youtu.be/aXmsHFiiX_I?si=t-BMO1cJpdDMWUsi

In the video they speak the words as well, but that’s optional — holding the signs would suffice. We will provide small whiteboards. The task is simple but very important. Performers could do this, but it would be less complicated if additional people could participate.

About the music: A battle between negative thoughts and positive thoughts, “A Thought Storm” is the second piece in the suite, “You Are Enough: A Mental Health Suite” written to elevate the conversations about mental health. The chalkboard project (https://www.thechalkboardproject.com) provided inspiration for the piece and provided a visual representation of the labels that people put on us, or we put on ourselves.

These are the lyrics and instructions from the composer, which we can adapt as needed:

You are— “I’m not____enough." [Three people exclaim fears of not being enough.]
You are— “I’m a ____.” (noun) [Three more people exclaim their word from the chalkboard project, a word that has hurt them in the past]
You are—you are strong. “I’m weak”, “I’m ____” (adjective)
You are brave. “I’m ____” (adjective)
You are— [Five more people exclaim their words]
You are— I’m not good enough
You are worthy.
I’m the only one.
I’m alone
You are not alone.
I never will.
You will— [All, at the same time, the word, or thought, that has hurt them].
Let it go. Breathe, just breathe. [All singers inhale, and exhale]
You are brave.
You are worthy.
You are strong.
You are loved.
You’re ok.

If you wish to participate in this, there are some rehearsals to attend:
Sat 21 June, 1PM (ACU 408.G.11)
Wed 25 June, 6PM (ACU 408.G.11)
Fri 27 June, 4PM (followed by the concert at 7PM) at St Patrick’s Cathedral
Sat 28 June, 4PM (followed by the concert at 6PM) at Preston Market
What to wear: All black (note: it will be cold)

If you would like to help with this performance component, please contact Kathleen: kathleen.mcguire@acu.edu.au