In 2004, I began a whole new line of work. Age Concern asked me if I'd like to entertain older people visiting day centres in Ceredigion. I've always been up for trying something new. After only a small teething problem I began to absolutely love it. What a rewarding and satisfying job!
Feedback - from Norma McCarten, Trainer and Learning & Development Coordinator, Circles Network, Rugby.
"Mandy is exactly the kind of musician we love to have around, she is inclusive in her approach and understands that song is for everyone"
After my contract ended with Age Concern, I continued as a solo performer. My work expanded and to this day, I have now added day centres, residential homes and working with groups of all ages, backgrounds and lifestyles.
I have also taken my work further afield offering myself to venues in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.
Feedback - from Sue Appleton of Graybeardswood, Nanternis.
"Mandy Painting has worked with us regularly as both a facilitator and support role with clients with severe mental health issues. She is a professional in her art and craft-MUSIC providing excellent training and support, empowering the clients to work with her in all aspects from decision-making to music-making and recording. Her manner and sense of humour engage the individual and groups alike to explore their own creativity within a safe supportive environment. She is reliable, punctual and flexible, able to meet the needs of the clients at all times."
I had an idea for a workshop to take round to schools. This would include music, lots of fun (what else, if I'm in charge?!) some stretching and warm up vocal exercises, ending the session with a guided relaxation, (all on the floor!) and some techniques to take home with them to continue what they've learnt. In a world loaded with TV, mobile phones, computers and all their games, kids miss out on the one thing they could do with the most to keep them balanced healthy and happy .. doing nothing. And boy did the kids love that part!
The idea came about as best things often do... by mistake! I had turned up at my local primary school to coach the choir but unusually had slept in, time only to dress and go, no morning cuppa. Worst of all, I’d missed out on my 10 minutes of focused relaxing. I was going to slip out to the car and do it but then thought, I wonder if I could involve the kids. They were all charging around screaming and shouting before the bell rang. They needed it more than I did!
On this particular morning, we began with a guided relaxation (story time, I told them) but with eyes closed and their mouths too! TOTAL SILENCE for around 12 minutes from a bunch of 6-9 year olds! The headmaster couldn’t believe it, and the next time I turned up for a coaching session with the choir, the kids wanted to do it again ... and they wanted to sing too.
I was asked to be their official accompanist for the Urdd Eisteddfod (a movement for children and young people organising a range of different activities across Wales through the medium of Welsh). I quickly realised that some of the fun exercises and skills I’d learnt on the course now had a very real place.
Learning the set piece for the kids' choir became fun for them, and not a chore. During the Urdd's (music competition) 2nd round, we were up against six other choirs with 15 or 20 pupils singing, all flapping around nervously backstage. My choir of only 6 children stood quietly - and went on to claim 2nd prize!
Included in my community music work is two shows performed at Theatre Mwldan in my local town of Cardigan. I was asked to be the rehearsal pianist for a few months culminating in three sell out performances. For these, I was leading a small band.
The whole experience was a huge privilege and it would have to be said, great fun too!
The stories for both shows including the lyrics for the songs were written by Dai Gorwel. The late and great John Turner wrote the music. There were also contributions from Dic Martin.
"Don't Cut the Weaselwort"
"Where's Brummie Jack"
To this day, I continue to perform a couple of songs from the shows which I particularly love.
