Singing groups!

[Shedrech]

Dad and I went along to a sing-a-long for the first time this week. He enjoys listening to music - he's watching Young Musician at the mo - and used to play guitar. I wasn't at all sure what his reaction would be - I didn't tell him beforehand - as about a year ago I mentioned it and he did NOT want to go.
But we both enjoyed ourselves; he did sing along with the songs he knew and tried to read the words of the ones he didn't and had a chat with a couple of other singers. Everyone there was clearly having a good time.
So we'll be going again - and I really do recommend trying this kind of session.

 

[jawuk]

Sadly marionq my husband no longer remembers how to open the cases to get his instruments out. He can't hold them properly, tune or restring them, and no longer remembers the fingering, melodies or words. It's very sad when he goes up to the music room and comes back after a few moments saying that he'll try again another day. He does enjoy listening to online bluegrass radio from the USA although cds now bore him after a couple of tracks, even his own cds.

Jawuk can he still play any of his instruments? At our group we have a few people who " perform" one of whom always plays a drum and gets a round of applause which pleases him no end and another who really is a star turn. Harry I have mentioned before is a natural comedian and a beautiful singer.

I would also mention to the community workers if he has a special liking for any type of song which others could join in. I would love to hear some blue grass and that would definitely get the hands and feet tapping!

 

[jawuk]

What a lovely photograph Izzy.

 

[Beate]

My OH totally comes to life when they put music on in the Day Centre. He gets up to dance (well, it's more like jugging around the room but who cares) and sings his heart out. Or shakes musical instruments he gets given. We too have heard about Singing for the Brain and would go if he wasn't going to a Day Centre. They more or less do the same so all is good. It's amazing how well he remembers lyrics from way back.

 

[Izzy]

What a lovely photograph Izzy.

Thank you!

Beate my husband is the same. He loves music and comes alive when it's on. He can become very emotional listening or signing. We're lucky enough to be involved in a 10 week workshop with Scottish Opera. It's for people with dementia and their carers. When the soprano sings during the session Bill's eyes just light up.

 

[Maymab]

When my OH is feeling sad or grumpy I try to take him for a drive. I put the CD player on with old songs and in no time he is singing along and feeling cheerful again. It cheers me up too!

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Talking Point mobile app

 

[rozz]

Best of luck and well done rozz

Look forward to hearing how it goes

It's going really well, grown each week, 2 by 2. Lovely atmosphere, good therapy for everyone!

 

[rozz]

I'm going with my husband for the very first time this coming Wednesday afternoon. He used to be a superb musician laying both acoustic and dobro guitar, banjo and mandolin, mostly bluegrass and so I'm not sure whether the songs at the group will please him but I'm really hoping that he can hum along. He can no longer read so a songsheet won't help. He definitely needs to socialise more and get some stimulation so all my fingers are crossed that it goes well.

Hope it went well. When I went to the volunteer training session we raised the issue of what musical history attendees have - and there is a form that you can fill in so that the leader is aware of the experience people have. We are keen to ask at our group about musical experiences, and just discovered a tuba player yesterday. The music in the song books is pretty wide ranging, and you can suggest songs. Just humming along, being part of the group is brilliant! Playing some percussion might be good too.

 

[rozz]

Word of mouth really works in sessions like this Rozz so keep going and talking to all and sundry about it and the word will spread.

Thanks, it's growing slowly!

 

[rozz]

Jawuk can he still play any of his instruments? At our group we have a few people who " perform" one of whom always plays a drum and gets a round of applause which pleases him no end and another who really is a star turn. Harry I have mentioned before is a natural comedian and a beautiful singer.

I would also mention to the community workers if he has a special liking for any type of song which others could join in. I would love to hear some blue grass and that would definitely get the hands and feet tapping!

I love the idea of the drum performance. Will suggest that at next group.

 

[rozz]

I out this on Bill's thread but I couldn't resist adding it here. This is the Alzheimer Scotland choir we go to every Friday afternoon. Bill absolutely loves it and sings his heart out. He was never a singer in days gone by but now music is his favourite thing. We're in the front row. I'm wearing a red jumper, jeans and red boots. Bill is next to me In the blue jumper.

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This is a lovely photo! Would love to hear you!!

 

[jawuk]

The singing group my husband and I have recently joined is lucky enough to have for 4 weeks members of the BBC Concert Orchestra attending. The demonstrated their instruments this week and accompanied the singing and then joy of joys, they played melodies for a while and to my amazement and delight my husband agreed to stand up and waltz with me. Aesthetically we managed to mangle things in a shuffling fashion but once or twice the steps were correct and in rhythm with the music. I could barely hold the tears back and I wasn't the only one with wet eyelashes. I shall never forget it.

 

[Izzy]

This is a lovely photo! Would love to hear you!!

I think there's talk of a video being put on the centre's website. If that ever happens I'll put the link here. Of course you could all come up and see the concert!! Tickets still avaiable!