By NICOLE VALICEK
FOR the Cohen women music is a gift and has become a special tradition that is shared and enjoyed from one generation to the next.
Altona resident Jo is the mother of two nine-year-old identical twins Alexandra and Francesca.
Together the trio are the “Altonicas”, an A Capella group that enjoy singing together taking their name from identical twin sisters and rock duo The Veronicas.
Jo jokes that she has been singing since she was a baby and can fondly remember her own mother singing when she was young.
“My mum sings and so I got it from her,” Jo said.
She started singing in primary school and has sung on bands, cabaret but quickly discovered choirs and A Capella was her style.
For the last 20 years she has taught singing to mainly community groups and choir at schools across the West.
Jo said her own twins grew up listening to her musical rhythms.
“I haven’t pushed them I’m very encouraging for them to do other things in their life, but they have a natural ability.”
Alexandra and Francesca have been singing publicly in small performances since the age of five years.
When their grandmother comes over they’ve become accustomed to singing together for fun.
“It’s something we can share together … I feel it’s lucky to have that.”
Jo is a project co-ordinator at Arts Access, an organisation that runs programs for people with a disability and mental health problems.
Three years ago she decided to start a choir for people with a disability and mental health issues called “You are my Sunshine”.
“There is research that (backs up the claim) singing is good for people with their mental health and physical health and well-being plus singing in groups is healing for people in all sorts of ways,” Jo said.
Jo said the group recently performed at the Sunshine Festival and a list of other events all in the Western Suburbs.
She said the group was not exclusive to those with a disability or mental health problem.
“I believe in having people with and without a disability performing together.”
For more information on Arts Access or singing email jcohen@artsaccess.com.au.
