Songs without words

I am an Arts Fusion Specialist  with the Alzheimer's Association which brings interactive music/art activities to seniors with dementia and Alzheimer's. I enjoy the challenge of finding new ways to encourage participation in my music sessions.   Sometimes I look out at the participants and think, "I don't think they are capable of participating." This was the case the other day when I saw the residents in their wheelchairs nodding off after a few songs.  But I decided to give it a try anyway.

Here's what I did. First, I passed out egg shakers and told them we will form a "merry band" and they will play along with me on some uptempo songs. I started them off with a rhythmic beat and they shook their eggs along and I played, "Hey Good Lookin' What You Got Cookin'?" and a few other songs. To my surprise, they woke right up and smiled and enjoyed playing along. Next, I got out my djembe (drum) and played a rock 'n roll beat and they jammed along with me. The next part is what surprised me the most. I went around to everyone and asked them if they'd like to play my drum. I didn't think they'd do it but each one of them took a turn at it. I held the drum as each one played a "song without words."   After the first gentleman took his turn I said, "let me see if I can do what you did" and I imitated his rhythmic beat. A big smile and nodding -I got it right and I went around to everyone and did the same.

For those with dementia, words can be hard to find. Although most them them can recall words to old songs. Even so, I've found that drumming can be a lot of fun for them as we all have rhythm as I told them and then sang the song, "I Got Rhythm."

After that successful session, I made my way over to a friend's 3rd grade classroom and talked to the kids about my bionic ear (cochlear implant). It has been over 6 years since I was implanted and I actually forget at times how much it has changed my life. It was a nice reminder that we can never take anything for granted. Thanks for stopping by and reading my stories.