Musical Chairs

The Musical Chairs is a community based jazz band which welcomes people with disabilities. We provide an avenue for members to develop their musical skills and become involved in the community by playing music with others.

Approximately one third of the band members have a disability, while other members do not. Thus, we achieve integration rather than providing a disability-specific activity. The opportunity to make friends and become a member of a community group is invaluable for people with disabilities who often experience isolation.

The Band ‘Musical Chairs’ was formed in 1998 through the foresight of the late John Morris of Australian Academy of Music and the enthusiasm and ongoing support of the Sporting Wheelies Association of Queensland. In 2000 River City Community Music Association took the band under their banner and provided much needed resources.

From modest beginnings the band has developed into a popular performing group of entertainers. Under the guidance of conductor Nikola Shaw, the band performs on a regular basis.

The Band has performed at the Wheelchair Basketball Team home games, the Chandler Auditorium, the Storey Bridge Jazz & Blues Festival, Art Festivals, Book Releases, Minister for Disability Services Staff Christmas Party and Awards functions, Grandview Hotel Jazz Festival, Disability Awareness Week, Sporting Wheelies Annual Awards, Jazz By The Riverside, School Fetes, Markets, Dinner Dances, Special Needs Blue Light Discos, Paul Boddington Tribute Concert, H.A.N.D Christmas Function, Rave Music Awards (Toogoolawa), Lions Ball (Bribie Island).

Although most performances have been in and around Brisbane, the band has travelled to Bribie Island, Esk, Kilcoy, Toogoolwah, Gold Coast, Macleay Island and Murwillumbah. Musical Chairs is keen to travel to other areas outside the Metropolitan area.

Musical Chairs provides an opportunity for people with a disability to make connections and develop social skills which helps to overcome social isolation and depression. The band also highlights the skills and value of people with a disability, offsetting steriotypes and contributing to changing community attitudes. Band members without disabilities, experience first-hand the value of interacting with those with disabilities. Audience members observe this inclusive, ability focussed activity, thus promoting disability awareness and the contribution this group makes to this cause. Musical Chairs’ offers support and meaningful participation to all members of the community by promoting a friendly and inclusive environment for everyone wishing to experience the joy of making music, making friends and sharing their creative talents with the wider community.

‘Musical Chairs’ has been humbled by the support of the community and the encouragement given by members of the entertainment industry.

This program is correct at time of uploading and may change due to unforeseen circumstances without notice.