FOR some people, it’s more than just a singsong.
Gulf War veteran Bradley Haynes has suffered from PTSD on and off for 20 years.
He’s battled everything from agoraphobia and chronic insomnia to recurring nightmares about his days in the navy.
“I had this nightmare where I could breathe underwater, but everyone else around me was drowning,” Haynes says.
About a decade ago, he started attending the VoiceMale choir in Fremantle.
• Bradley Haynes (front row, far left) is part of the Fremantle VoiceMale choir that rehearses at St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall in Beaconsfield (below).
Over the years he’s been treated by psychiatrists and psychologists, but the simple act of singing has been one of the best tonics.
“Singing has been one of the most important things in getting me back to being a functioning human,” he says.
“It’s helped me more than anything, pretty much.”
Haynes loves the VoiceMale choir so much he makes the drive from Guildford every Monday night to attend rehearsals at St Paul’s Anglican Church hall in Beaconsfield.
Led by experienced choirmaster Digby Hill, the choir sing everything from AC/DC and The Beatles to traditional Russian, Georgian and African music.
The group do regular public performances in towns and cities across WA as part of Songfest. Last month they performed in Guildford, with more than 40 choirs descending on the town over one weekend.
Haynes says singing a cappella with someone for years can foster a deep bond.
“I’ve sung next to my mate Paul for 10 years every Monday,” he says.
“You’ve got to listen to them and harmonise with them. It’s a very unique kind of relationship.
“There’s the social side to the choir too. I meet up for lunch every Friday with one of the members at The Stirling Arms in Guildford. And I used to meet up with folk for dinner before the rehearsals as well.”
The not-for-profit community choir have around 30 members, with up to 20 people regularly attending weekly rehearsals.
Other members include Dave, who suffered from empty nest syndrome after his three children began leaving home.
He enjoyed singing with his guitar at home, but didn’t have much choir experience and couldn’t read music.
A decade on, he’s tackling complex spirituals from Georgia and Africa.
“I’m never going to be the star of the show, but I get an enormous amount out of it. I’m a member of a team,” Dave says.
“VoiceMale is more than a hobby. It’s become part of the sort of person I am.”
Haynes says they are keen for people of all abilities to come along and have a go.
If you’re keen, head down to St Paul’s Anglican Church, 162 Hampton Rd, Beaconsfield on September 21 at 7pm. It’s free. For more info see voicemale.au.
by STEPHEN POLLOCK