Savannah Songbirds begin another semester of choral community collaboration at Georgia Southern Armstrong Campus RiteCare Center
In Savannah, music and therapy intertwine into one beautiful melody with a unique program designed to help people living with Parkinson’s disease and other movement-related disorders live more outwardly and openly.
For Mary-Katherine Mathews, a graduate student in the Communications Sciences and Disorders (CSDS) program, this is her second semester providing therapeutic assistance to the program’s dedicated participants.
“It means a lot to me because it allows us, especially as students, to connect more with our community and those with Parkinson’s,” Mathews said. “Of course, we do lots of therapy with Songbird members during the different choir rehearsals, but we also just get to know them at more of a personal level than we normally get to.”
The Savannah Songbirds began in 2023 as an extension of the Parkinson Voice Project’s SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program, which aims to help those living with the disease regain their voice and ability to swallow – two things that can alter one’s ability to interact freely in their everyday lives.
“Parkinson’s disease may impact a person’s voice, which in turn can impact so many aspects of the person’s life,” said Tory Candea, Ph.D., Ed.D., SLP.D., assistant professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences in the Waters College of Health Professions at Georgia Southern.
Although the program is centered around therapy, Mathews says that it’s a way to break through often rigid, clinical barriers and build genuine camaraderie. However, it’s not only the Songbirds who benefit from this experience.
“Therapy can be stressful for some people, especially with adults, because they want to do well and see results,” Mathews explained. “The Savannah Songbirds is a place for making mistakes without judgment. Not every day can be your best day, and that’s just fine. The Songbirds are surrounded by people who understand this too. As a student, it’s incredible to get to know the members, but it’s also incredible that they want to know us too.”
As the holiday season draws nearer, the Savannah Songbirds serve as a place of understanding, warmth and unification that joins together students, faculty, staff and community to create an environment dedicated to supporting people living with Parkinson’s.
Earlier this year, the group performed the National Anthem at the Savannah Ghost Pirates game at Enmarket Arena on Feb. 11, but there is a whole holiday season of singing to look forward to with the fall 2026 semester.
“We meet on Mondays at 9:45 a.m. and would love to have additional singers, all voices are welcome,” Candea said. “We will have a holiday concert at the end of the fall semester!”
To join the Savannah Songbirds or for more information about services and programs offered at the RiteCare Center, fill out this online form or visit their website.