Finding their voice again

Every Monday morning on Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus in Savannah, voices rise together in harmony. They belong to the Savannah Songbirds, and its members aren’t here for fame or performance accolades. Instead, they’re individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and other movement-related disorders who are rediscovering their voices, their confidence and their community through song.

The Savannah Songbirds program, housed within Georgia Southern’s RiteCare Center for Communication Sciences and Disorders, blends therapy and art in a way that is transforming lives.

Kimberlee Hise has been singing with the Songbirds since its 2023 inception. She grew up in a musical house and sang in local choirs her entire life. But as her condition progressed, it became more difficult to practice her passion.

“It has become much harder, and it makes me sad that I can’t sing as much as I used to,” she said. “And that’s why this program is so great. I’ve met some great people, and working with the students is wonderful.”

Founded by Tory Candea, SLP.D., director of clinical education in the Department of Clinical Sciences at Georgia Southern, and supported by communications sciences and disorders graduate students, the choir provides participants with a welcoming space to practice vocal strength while rekindling their love of singing.

Parkinson’s disease often weakens the voice, making everyday communication frustrating and sometimes isolating.

“The softer voice impacts so many things relating to their lives,” said Candea. “They’re not able to communicate in a noisy restaurant, or they may have trouble speaking on the telephone or communicating. Additionally, it impacts their ability to go out to their doctor’s appointments and interact with people in the community. It’s embarrassing and also frustrating.”

Singing provides participants with opportunities to practice louder, more intentional speech in a supportive group setting. By tackling music together, members not only strengthen their vocal abilities but also build confidence.

“We find that if we can identify areas that our clients and our community are really invested in, that makes a huge difference in how they carry over the strategies that they learn,” said Sandra Mullis, clinical coordinator at the RiteCare Center. “You can see that growth and increase in engagement, confidence and communication really quickly with them. For a lot of them, I think that’s part of the confidence — knowing there are other people working through this with them.”

Recently, the Songbirds received an important boost in support to achieve their mission and bring in more participants. The group received a $4,000 Community Grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation that will enable the RiteCare Center to provide transportation for the Songbirds to and from their weekly rehearsals and performances.

“We are so excited about this grant,” Candea said. “It will support our singers and offer invaluable learning opportunities for students in the communication sciences and disorders program, while also providing support, community and fellowship for the singers. The funds will help gain access to new music and equipment and secure a venue for our performances.”

To join the Savannah Songbirds or for more information about the RiteCare Center’s services and programs, fill out this online form or visit their website.