Intergenerational Choir Ready For Big Debut

Saturday, 7 May 2016 08:20

The Intergenerational Choir will be performing it's first show at the Caressant Care Nursing Home Auditorium on Tuesday May 17th.

WOODSTOCK - The Intergenerational Choir is preparing for their first ever concert.

Choir members include students, seniors and people with dementia and the choir was formed through the Alzheimer’s Society of Oxford County. Executive Director Shelley Green says the choir members have a lot of fun singing some of their favourite songs.

"We've heard them tell us about their experience in joining the intergenerational singers and being there to support a family member and really not only enjoying the music themselves but also seeing the enjoyment of their family member."

Green says their clients have really benefited from coming together and singing every week at rehearsals.

"For people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, often times that part of their brain is still very much in tact, ability to sing, ability to remember the words of songs they have sang in the past and so it is a great way of tapping into something they are still capable of doing, which helps to build confidence and is an enjoyable activity for people."

The show is happening on Tuesday May 17th at the Caressant Care Nursing Home Auditorium at 3:30 and the public is welcome to attend this free event. It is being produced by the Intergenerational Choir Planning Committee Volunteers, in partnership with Oliver Stephens Public School, Caressant Care and the Alzheimer Society of Oxford.

Some of the participants said this about the choir:

“The music is good. The people are good. I love it. I feel wonderful. I’m very thankful to be there.” Irene T., person living with dementia

“My whole family has been involved in music as far back as I remember. Mom was a really great singer, and still is. This is a good opportunity for us to keep singing together each week.” Rick T., Irene T.’s son

"I really wanted to make other people happy. When we are all smiling when we are singing it makes me happy!" Claire K., student

"It was really fun the first time. I wanted to get to know more people and have fun with my friends." Mae B., student