Music & Memories: Singing with Seniors"Take me out to the ballgame--
Take me out with the crowd, Buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks- I don't care if I never get back! And it's root, root, root For the home team-- If they don't win it's a shame! For it's one, two, three strikes your out At the old ball game!" Some years ago I was asked to sing with Allen Funt at his home in Pebble Beach. Allen Funt was the creator of Candid Camera and had brought so much fun and laughter to millions of people. It was toward the end of his life and sadly, he was in a wheel chair after a stroke. He wasn't able to say simple phrases like "Hello. How are you?" But he could still sing "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" with ease. The human brain is remarkable for it's ability to retain the songs of childhood. So I sang the old songs with him, camp songs, songs from the 30's and 40's--songs from his youth. It was a joyful time with family and friends all around. My first professional performances as a teen were in convalescent hospitals in Los Angeles. There I found a captive audience--and many smiles and hugs! Sometimes, singing is the only activity a group of convalescents can do--and I'm happy to lead them, talk with them, remember the old songs with them. There is no more appreciative audience. | "I've toured with this songbird and I love her!" BURL IVES
Burl Ives loved to hear the old songs. When Nancy Stewart and I would visit--we would sing the ancient round "Sumer Is I'Cumin' In" with him--and toward the end for him--over and over. He believed that music was magical and healing--and wouldn't let doctors touch him until we sang a song together. I continue to sing with seniors in convalescent homes and assisted living settings. It is the highlight of my week to sing the old songs they love and ask them to sing along. They also lead me to new--old songs that I'm happy to learn. Interested in bringing "Music and Memories" to someone you love? Please call me: 831-649-1790 marylee@maryleemusic.com |
