The Rosecrance Choraliers performed the song “Why We Sing” on October 9, 2018, at the Nordlof Center in Rockford as part of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Northern Illinois’ “Faces of Mental Illness Program.” The Choraliers’ song opened the event, which featured other performances from the Stars of Light and NAMI’s In Our Own Voice (IOOV).
The Rosecrance Choraliers, under the direction of Rosecrance employees Liam Wolf and Autumn Shreve, was developed in April 2018 to provide an opportunity for individuals to engage in a performance-based experiential therapy. The group uses music as a tool and coping skill to reduce negative impacts of mental health symptoms and also to increase social opportunities, well-being, creativity and self-expression. Since April, the Choraliers have met weekly to experience the benefits of singing, including relaxation, breathing and posture, as well as social, spiritual and emotional benefits. In December, the Choraliers will perform at their first full concert at the Rosecrance Ware Center.
The song “Why We Sing” by Greg Gilpin is a piece that exemplifies the power of music to help bridge connection and promote healing, hope and strength in our community.
WHY WE SING – GREG GILPIN
A sound of hope, a sound of peace, a sound that celebrates and speaks what we believe.
A sound of love, a sound so strong. It’s amazing what is given when we share a song.
This is why we sing, why we lift our voice, why we stand as one in harmony.
This is why we sing, why we lift our voice. Take my hand and sing with me.
Soothe a soul, mend a heart, bring together lives that have been torn apart.
Share the joy, find a friend. It’s a never ending gift that circles back again.
This is why we sing, why we lift our voice, why we stand as one in harmony.
This is why we sing, why we lift our voice. Take my hand and sing with me.
Music builds a bridge, it can tear down a wall.
Music is a language that can speak to one and all!
This is why we sing, why we lift our voice, why we stand as one in harmony.
This is why we sing, why we lift our voice. Take my hand and sing with me.
This is why we sing! We sing! We sing!