The Big River Jazz Club was looking for a sponsor and Australian Hearing were excited to help, especially since good music and good hearing go hand in hand. This Grafton group of musicians have developed a wonderful camaraderie through their regular rehearsals and community performances at Grafton District Services Club, another sponsor. Some of the Jazz Club’s members are already familiar with their new sponsor’s services, having taken up their offer of a free hearing check or benefiting from hearing aids as Australian Hearing clients. One example is Club President, Malcolm Starr, who plays guitar and banjo and was fitted with his first set of hearing aids 15 years ago. After years as a panel beater and a sporting shooter, Malcolm’s hearing gradually deteriorated over time. “Music is a team effort and it’s very important we can hear each other so we know exactly when we come in, especially as we play with arrangements involving many instruments,” explains Malcolm. “The first thing I noticed when I had hearing aids on were the birds in the trees and the rustling of leaves. Once I had hearing aids, I noticed a lot more sounds I hadn’t been hearing before.” “Now I wear my hearing aids a lot because I’m used to them. They are always in when I’m playing music. The music seems brighter. Like having a candle in the dark. You miss out on a lot otherwise.” Although the beginnings of Big River Jazz Club were focussed only on jazz, the group now incorporates other music styles and welcomes new musicians and vocalists to join them every Thursday evening at Grafton District Services Club. If you’re interested, call Malcolm on 6643 3859. Big River Jazz Club sponsors, Grafton District Services Club and Australian Hearing, are joining forces to offer free hearing checks and advice at GDSC this Friday 26th June 10am to 3pm. After your hearing check, you can also enjoy a free coffee. Call Australian Hearing on 6641 0000 for more information.