The power of music.

[teleboli]

The Toronto jazz radio station currently runs a program called 'The music and memory Ipod project', so these things are being put into practice.

http://www.jazz.fm/index.php/on-air-...onth-in-canada

[fazool]

I just finished watching it on Netflix.

Excellent piece. Thanks for the recommendation.

[FranK_S]

Originally Posted by fazool

I just finished watching it on Netflix.

Excellent piece. Thanks for the recommendation.

Glad you enjoyed it.

[Dani Host]

Thanks for the excellent recommendation. I watched the documentary last night on Netflix and I found it to be really heartbreaking.

I would also recommend the documentary "jason Becker: Not dead yet", an incredibly touching film about the life of the famous 80's shredder and the power of music.

I've been performing singalongs in nursing homes and day centers for dementia and other patients since 2006. I stumbled on this by accident after a 13 year layoff, the thought just "came". You can do this if you want to in your home town, activity directors are starving for folks to come in and do something like this. Here is my website with three original songs (ignore these), but NUMBER THREE is an actual recording I made at Village Springs Health and Rehabilitation in Hot Springs, AR. they love the old Gospel songs. Check it out "In the Sweet by and by" They also like You are my sunshine, Oh Susanna, etc...etc...
http://www.reverbnation.com/dougmacpherson

I bring a book with my large print chord charts, I often have friends sit in with me. It is amazing to hear the folks singing back to the old favorites. Best gigs I've ever played, for fun and for free. Here's a typical set list I use at nursing homes:
1. You are my sunshine C
2. Welcome to Lake Ouachita C
3. Oh Susanna C
4. Just a closer walk with Thee G
5. Four Leaf Clover G
6. By the Light of the Silvery Moon G
7. I saw the Light D
8. This little Light of mine D
9. Revive us again C
10. Skip to my Lou C
11. The Old rugged Cross D
12. Medly: God Bless America
If you’re happy and you know it D
13. Kumbaya Ya G
14. She’ll be coming round the mountain D
15. Old Dan Tucker D
16. Shortnin’ Bread C
17. Goodnight Irene D
18. Happy Trails to you D

[roylor4]

Originally Posted by FranK_S

You can watch the full documentary on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS8uBq25bfw

Thanks for the link Frank. I will watch it next week - I don't think I'm up to watching anything emotional today.

[Kip Carter]

Just finished watching it.... That first guy was amazing.... Great documentary.

Thanks for the heads up.

[FranK_S]

Originally Posted by roylor4

Thanks for the link Frank. I will watch it next week - I don't think I'm up to watching anything emotional today.

Just checked out your website Roy, really great to see you and your wife are following your passion. All the best to you both!

[FranK_S]

Originally Posted by Catapaw

I've been performing singalongs in nursing homes and day centers for dementia and other patients since 2006. I stumbled on this by accident after a 13 year layoff, the thought just "came". You can do this if you want to in your home town, activity directors are starving for folks to come in and do something like this. Here is my website with three original songs (ignore these), but NUMBER THREE is an actual recording I made at Village Springs Health and Rehabilitation in Hot Springs, AR. they love the old Gospel songs. Check it out "In the Sweet by and by" They also like You are my sunshine, Oh Susanna, etc...etc...
http://www.reverbnation.com/dougmacpherson

Cat, That's very generous of you.

[Pheof]

"Alive inside: A story of music and memory"
Cool. I'll check it out. Thanks Frank!

[Guitarfish]

If only our society was all going in the same direction, we would find a way to make this happen.

But we all wait for someone else to step up, with the exception of the gentleman in the documentary.

My sister in laws father is slowly losing it, I'm going to send this to her.

[Ryler]

Great documentary. I forwarded it to the CEO where I work, which is technically a hospital, but more akin to a nursing home. Doug, the residents sound so vibrant on the chorus. They are so clearly into it on Sweet By and By. That must feel good to be able to do that for them.

[barley]

I watched the documentary this evening based on the OP's recommendation. Very powerful! Thank you.

Ryler - I try to choose songs that are familiar to everyone, the young staff and family members at the nursing homes where I play sing along also. It takes a little homework, but I've got six one hour sets. I'd be glad to share set lists with others on this forum who might be interested in this type of music service. It is truly fun to interact and watch and listen to the residents sing. I do it in a "campfire singalong" format. right now we are singing all the traditional Christmas songs. Jingle Bells is the big favorite of them all, I play that one twice.