Jarrod Matulick of Matulick Music, Murray Bridge is the proud Choir Director of the Murray Bridge Community Choir and is regularly surprised by the breadth of talented people in the Murraylands.
From the exceptional actors and musicians of the Murray Bridge Players and Singers to the old community-based performances of the Tailem Bend Music Halls, the Murraylands is full of talented and motivated entertainers.
Jarrod loves to sing and finds the acoustics of the Baden Powell Hall on Sixth Street in Murray Bridge, superb for the Choir’s one-hour Tuesday night rehearsals. “We start at about 6 pm and afterwards, often go for a meal together,” Jarrod said. “The Murray Bridge Community Band also uses the facility on Thursday nights from 7pm to 8.30pm.”
Left - Jarrod Matulick performing under the Murray Bridge Regional Gallery’s umbrella canopy, July 2022.
Right - Murray Bridge Community Choir rehearsing in the Baden Powell Hall, Sixth Street, Murray Bridge.
The Murray Bridge Community Choir is a casual choir with a focus on creating a sense of community, the choir creates a fun and inviting environment for all people to sing and be part of something bigger than themselves.
“The songs we sing are suggested by members of the choir, so every few weeks we have new songs to share and sing,” Jarrod said. “I always strive to encourage people to sing with confidence, and to push as much joy and expression as possible.”
Jarrod loves seeing people's performances get bigger and seeing them become more comfortable with sharing music with others.
“My experience in Voice Teaching and student placement experience in Voice Therapy, also allows me to incorporate safe and healthy voice practices, that I believe can transfer into daily life,” Jarrod said. “That’s why I am so interested in GSSA’s recent Recreative Music Therapy initiative.”
Wendy Pilmore of Murray Bridge singing one of her favourite tunes at GSSA’s Friday Recreative Music Therapy.
In a world where words often fall short, music becomes the universal language of healing and GSSA’s Recreative Music Therapy stands at the forefront of this transformative approach, offering a lifeline to individuals grappling with disabilities and mental health challenges.
Music has a unique ability to transcend barriers, reaching deep into the soul and awakening emotions long dormant - for those living with disabilities or facing mental health struggles, this form of therapy provides a haven for expression, communication, and growth.
Milton Mustert of Murray Bridge, leading the group at GSSA’s Friday Recreative Music Therapy.
One of the most significant benefits of recreative music therapy lies in its ability to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment. Through guided sessions led by trained professionals, participants can explore their innermost thoughts and feelings in a non-judgmental environment, often uncovering insights and strengths they never knew they had.
“A few months back, a bunch of us from the choir went out to dinner after practice, and while we were there, a member pulled me aside and said, "Do you hear it?" Everyone from the choir was engaging in hearty conversation, laughing, and carrying on,” Jarrod said.
“Our choir, like the GSSA’s Recreative Music Therapy, have people attending who are new to the community, people who may otherwise feel isolated from the community,” Jarrod said. "These people may have never met, if it weren't for these musical opportunities.”
Jarrod continues to receive joy from his teaching and Choir Directing, but nothing beats the satisfaction he receives from seeing people grow with confidence, totally immersing themselves in music. “It’s the music and the feeling of bringing people together that keeps me Directing.”