Boost Fund Stories: Ama-zing Harmonies, Edinburgh
Ama-zing Harmonies
The Boost Fund is delivered by Corra Foundation and is a partnership between STV Children’s Appeal, Comic Relief, and Corra Foundation, and is supported by players of Postcode Lottery. Boost is currently open to applications and provides small grants for community-led organisations across Scotland supporting local people affected by poverty or disadvantage.
We are Ama-zing Harmonies, an intergenerational community choir based in the West Pilton area of Edinburgh. We began in 2017 and recently celebrated our 9th anniversary. Much of the work we do is with music. We have our intergenerational choir that is open to people of all ages regardless of previous experience or singing ability. We also run a youth music programme for our children and young people, where they can attend weekly keyboard and music lessons.
Most of our members are people and families from the local community. We use music and singing to bring people together, to combat isolation, to improve mental well-being, and build our own community. We are also involved in the local community and have collaborated with other local community groups, as well as performing at local events.
“Ama-zing Harmonies has given me more than just a place to sing, it’s given me a true sense of belonging. Through music, workshops and shared experiences, I’ve built friendships with people across cultures I may never have crossed paths with. It has opened doors I didn’t know existed, and the confidence it builds in our young people, keeping them engaged and connected, makes it all the more special. It’s more than a group; it’s a lifeline for our community at West Pilton and Edinburgh as a whole, and that connection is special.” (B, member of Ama-zing Harmonies)
During the school summer holidays, we also provide our Youth Programme of creative arts workshops for children and young people to participate in. This branch of our project is run by our Music Director and Youth Project Worker, Peter. This is the third year that Peter has been involved in the organisation.
The process of applying to Boost was straightforward. As a charity we rely on the generosity of funders for us to operate. The Boost Fund will help us to continue the work that we do with our members and in the community, and for that we are extremely grateful.
You can find out more and follow Ama-zing Harmonies on Facebook here.
Boost is currently open to applications here.
