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Writer's pictureMelanie Cossins

A Journey to the Moon

Reflections of the moon

I have been working in music education for about 17 years now, in the last few years I have been working more and more around using singing for mental health.

A few weeks ago I landed an amazing project. In my home town of Wakefield Luke Jerram’s giant moon artwork will be suspended from our now abandoned market hall whilst two weeks worth of creative activities and entertainment goes on.

I feel lucky.

My project ‘Rocket Men’ was chosen to represent community music in this creative arena. As I took my first steps into the unknown I really wasn’t sure how everything was going to be — just like going into Space and not knowing what is really out there. I’d been given an opportunity, with the right connections I started Rocket Men — a singing group for men in recovery. I have never worked with men only before and certainly not men in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. They had shown an interest though and I have the opportunity so I jumped on board.

I’m going to admit something. I was a little bit scared at the first meeting. Its like meeting a new crew but not knowing anything about them or even if they really want to fly along with you. Would there be any friction, doubt or competition to lead this expedition? That first meeting was absolutely key. It pushed the start button and the last 6 weeks we have been preparing for launch. I was surprised at how amazingly creative this group of men were. Ideas, energy were spilling out from everywhere and I could not believe these men have been in the darkest of places.

I was rocketing.

We started by learning how to use our voices in a better way through some vocal exercises. Every group I work with I think about trying to engage people, make them feel safe, build confidence, self-esteem and have fun! Perhaps my choice of Drunken Sailor was not a great one in terms of topic however the group took it in their stride and one small step at a time they are now making massive giant leaps. This is relative. What is a small step to some is a giant leap for others. It is not easy putting yourself out there, bearing your soul through singing.

The challenge was to bring a group together who know very little about each other. To build up their confidence and get them singing and performing eventually on stage in front of an audience. No mean feat! The challenge was to write a song that not only encompassed the idea of the moon but also helped them share their story, their journey, their fight. I can’t believe my luck. One of the men wrote an amazing song. The first time I heard it I felt choked. Those words. The meaning. Personally, I do not know what it is like to have an addiction however I do know what it is like to suffer from depression. This song spoke to me just like it will do for many others.

Over the weeks there have been a few ups and downs, as there always is. Sometimes it is a bumpy ride.

Are people who are creative more susceptible to experiencing difficult times? Or out of terrible situations do we rise and open up our creativity?

On Saturday The Rocket Men, aka The Reflections, blasted off and performed in front of an audience and for some this is their first time ever! I am incredibly proud and excited to share that their performance went really well at the Festival of the Moon Community event in Wakefield. Afterwards I had many people approach me and tell me how much they had enjoyed it, how powerful their words were and how talented they thought they were. I also had people ask if they could perform at a school and talk to the kids as well as perform at other Council events. I hope they take this opportunity to climb on board because the Space really has no limits!

I know they took everyone away on an amazing journey and showed them that even the darkest of places can be lit by the moon!

The Reflections perform at Museum of the Moon


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