Singing Fights the Effects of Parkinson’s Disease

Mutsumi Mori (accompanist, Sun Lakes Tremble Clefs) and Carolyn Perkins (director, Sun Lakes Tremble Clefs)

Donna Rosenheck

Participants who live with Parkinson’s disease will tell you the music therapy and support they receive at Tremble Clefs makes them feel better. The Sun Lakes Tremble Clefs meet at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church on Riggs Road on the first and third Thursdays of each month. There is no requirement to know music or have a great voice. The only requirement is that you have Parkinson’s disease.

Decreased voice volume and voice with a monotone quality are common symptoms of Parkinson’s. Tremble Clefs Arizona presents a clinically beneficial program that provides vocal, breathing, and movement exercises and generates new learning and comfortable challenges in a shared, supportive environment.

Carolyn Perkins who directs the group says, “Singing therapy helps the speaking voice, all the muscles that help you breathe, movement, gait, expressiveness, and memory. The wonderful group interaction also provides essential social support for our members and caregivers, too.”

Longtime member Septene McKinney stated, “I learn new, wonderful songs, and when I look at my classmates, I feel at home because I know each of them understands what we all face in a day.”

The group depends upon donations. In March of this year, we were delighted to receive a grant from the Greater Sun Lake Community Foundation.

We welcome new members at any time. For more information, contact Carolyn Perkins at carolyn.perkins77@gmail.com. Address and hours of meetings and a lot more about us can be found on our website TrembleClefsArizona.org.