What joy, having only the most unsultry of croaks myself, to be taking the lead in putting together a data base of local singers & musicians available to do mini in-home songfests for folks who are shut ins or whose hearts could use some live music.
Inspiration has been simmering for many months, since hearing Anthony Hyatt play & talk at last year's National Center for Creative Aging Leadership Exchange & Conference. It came to a boil a few weeks ago, after friend put out a Facebook request & corralled a group of friends to sing for her basically bed-ridden mother-in-law.
From all reports, it was a special moment, for both singers & their audience of one. Such a hit, some children came by the next day for a spontaneous youth concert!
It never dawned on me to have anyone come sing to Mom - not during her numerous rehab stays, not during that last visit to St. Mary's, not during her week of at-home hospice. Never thought to ask Lisa & Kent, didn't know about Brenda's incredible voice until after Mom died. Just never thought about it.
So - deep breath - I am putting together am putting together what I'm calling a HEART CHOIR. An informal registry of soloists, dynamic duos, trios, ensembles, violinists et al willing to give the occasional half hour of their time.
No time commitment, no requirement. If people need a little live music in their lives, they can contact me & I'll do my darndest to tag them up with an available musician.
Thank you, Jane, for an idea whose time has most assuredly come! And blessings on everyone at Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Center for their amazing work demonstrating the impact of music on Alzheimer's & dementia patients!
As a recent article on alzheimers.net pointed out, "It is no secret that music has transformative powers. It not only has the ability to change moods and lift spirits, but one song can transport the listener to another place and time... The same is true for listeners with Alzheimer’s disease."
Time & again, I've seen a similar impact on older friends hearing beloved hymns or popular songs from long ago. It's why I'm looking forward to taking one particular older friend to see In The Mood, a wonderful review of songs from World War II coming in May to Bucks County Playhouse in May - we went before & she practically floated home!
Just as organizations like Music & Memory embrace the mission of bringing music to people with dementia through digital media, I am embracing one of making moments of live music available to folks in my little hometown who needs it.
Our community overflows overflows with musicians. How many will come on board? That's out of my hands. All I can do is call (beseech, implore, entreat) & see who responds!
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