Music Lab

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The beginnings...

Music Label began in early 2007 when Kardinia Mental Health’s (KMH, Salvation Army Network, and Geelong) Mark Botha and Barwon Health Mental Health’s (BHMH) Sean Kearns applied for a grant through the disability support fund to acquire some musical equipment. Clients from KMH day programs at Strong St South Geelong and BHMH C.R.F were provided with the time and place to play music in a group environment. In August of 2007 Warren Holland, from Kardinia Alcohol and Other drugs Services (KAODS), was drawn to the music group through his involvement with the Salvation Army at Strong St.  After several months KAODS began to allow Warren to attend as a part of their “Community Rehab”.

In partnership with Sean they began to instil an ethos and structure to the music sessions. Pretty soon the sessions began to take shape and regular attendance numbers increased. Warren & Sean’s strong networks and Community focus soon provided the space for “Music Lab” to test its capabilities in a live performance. The support from Managers such as Deb Little (KAODS) and David Lavars (KMH), Mario (KMH) has proved vital in terms of resources and financial needs.

Its purpose...

The Music Lab exists to provide the equipment & place for individuals from a Dual diagnosis service to prepare, play and perform live music in as real a setting as can be facilitated. Thereby the sessions are not just a jam, much rather a performance. The purpose of Music Lab is not to teach people how to play an instrument or sing. We will support by referring them to teachers if they wish to be taught.  Our purpose and aim is to encourage those with music ability to increase their skills, confidence and bandsmanship by becoming a band participant. The core band is able to include and absorb new members by staying in this perspective. The early days of misdirected jams became increasingly difficult to focus.  Other factors that contributed to our performing ethos are non obligatory attendance and the nature/diagnosis of our participant groups. Another function of the group is to give those that attend Kardinia Mental Health Services to come and listen to some music. Therefore rehearsals are given a strong purpose and structure as best as can be arranged on the day.