Users of the Santos Dumont Institute (ISD) experienced a moment of emotion and significance this Tuesday (29). The ISD Choir held its first official performance outside the institution's walls, participating in the Choir Meeting held at Sesc Cidade Alta, in Natal.
The event brought together vocal groups from various institutions in the state, celebrating musical diversity and cultural exchange. The ISD Choir, the second group to take the stage that evening, presented a repertoire of three songs that captivated the audience, marking the group's debut on an outdoor stage. The chosen repertoire began with the song "Tocando em frente" (Almir Sater), continued with "Peça Felicidade" (Melim), and culminated with "O Sol" (Jota Quest), sung in chorus with the entire audience.
For singing teacher Ericléa Costa, who has led the group since its creation, seeing the result of their work was thrilling. “The members, despite expressing some nervousness—something natural due to their experience with other choirs and because everything was completely new—represented the group and their own development very well. The peak of general happiness was at the end of the performance, when we received a standing ovation and many compliments from our fellow choir members and guest conductors. It was a contagious joy, and we have already received an invitation to repeat the experience next year,” she celebrated.
Ericléa emphasizes that success is the result of consistency, technique, and affection. The group's rehearsals take place every Monday and include specialized vocal training, in partnership with speech therapist and preceptor Ana Maria Reis. The training combines technique for operatic and popular singing, music history, and motor and cognitive stimulation.
Created in November of last year, the ISD Choir currently consists of approximately 25 members, including users of the Institute's care programs and their families. The initiative expands socialization and provides opportunities for people with disabilities to actively participate in cultural and leisure spaces in society.
For Catiane Deise, a member of the group, experiencing this debut alongside her 13-year-old daughter, Jiulia Camilly, added an even more emotional tone to the evening. “Yesterday was a surreal and unforgettable experience. I felt a mix of emotions when I went on stage and saw the other choirs. For me, experiencing this moment had an even deeper meaning because I was accompanied by my daughter. Sharing the stage and this intensity of emotions with her made everything doubly special. Being part of the choir represents a unique space for connection, overcoming challenges, art, growth, and a lot of love.”
The ISD Choir is open to all adolescent and adult users followed by the Institute's care programs. Family members or caregivers of these users can also participate in the group. To join the Choir, simply express your interest to your assigned preceptor.
About ISD
The Santos Dumont Institute (ISD) is a Social Organization of the Federal Executive Branch, supervised by the Ministry of Education, with the intervention of the Ministries of Sport and Health. It encompasses the Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neuroscience and the Anita Garibaldi Center for Education and Research in Health, both located in Macaíba. The ISD's mission is to promote education for life, forming citizens through integrated teaching, research, and outreach activities, as well as contributing to a more just and humane transformation of Brazilian social reality.
