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August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | I heard this story on NPR this morning on my commute to work. It is another branch of the Convalescent Home music that many of you are already doing. This is much more draining emotionally, but I cannot imagine the depth of satisfaction gained from this type of "Gig".
... might be worth a try to do some soft ballads for these dear folks who need to have their minds diverted from their pain and suffering.....whatcha think?? Don't forget those in Hospital waiting rooms.... they also could use a lift!
NPR Feature |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 1421
Location: Orange County, California | Originally posted by Tim Chapman:
... might be worth a try to do some soft ballads for these dear folks who need to have their minds diverted from their pain and suffering.....whatcha think?? Don't forget those in Hospital waiting rooms.... they also could use a lift! NPR Feature
I can't belive Cliff or Jeff didn't jump all over this. Seriously, we take our birds to an assisted living facility to visit, They are great contact/therapy animals. I'm strongly drawn to the idea of going and entertaining the resisdents, not in a "show" format, but just hanging around the open areas and playing.
Anyone who hasn't gone and seen how easy and wonderful it is these people smile. I swear, it's like you get to bring them back to life!! :D :D |
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August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | well, Fred.... I always just assumed that Cliff and Jeff were residents of an Assisted Living Facility and were already being visited...
..as for the banjo... sometimes that's the only thing that will cut through the "fog" and make 'em smile! |
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November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | you play, Tim, I'll go through their pockets. |
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December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | tim
can you stop by my house? |
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July 2003
Posts: 1922
Location: Canton (Detroit), MI | Tim, I heard the story also. It was very thought-provoking.
For all who didn't hear it, the instrument featured was a HARP. But it started me thinking about what one could do with guitar and mountain dulcimer.
My stepmother is currently in a nursing home(two states away, unfortunately). Twice a week, a lady who plays piano comes in and plays for the residents for an hour. Nothing fancy, just basic older songs. You should see the number that show up, and the enthusiam for it......
Roger |
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November 2005
Posts: 4832
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | Of course, y'gotta learn the right songs for the gig...
"Okay folks, get ready to flash the lights from your pacemaker! We're gonna rip through a classic for you.. Don't Fear The Reaper!...YEAH! Right after another of our fav WHO tunes. Won't Get Fooled Again!" |
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May 2005
Posts: 16
Location: Florida | Though He's probably to humble to say so, a person who does this quite a bit is my Dad, known on here as Gospel Guitar Guy. Just a small way for me to encourage his ministry and say that I'm proud of him...... ;)
Though I have to admit, I get nervous when he tells me he's playing in a place for the "mentally incapacitated"... I worry that they won't let him back out! :D |
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Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Originally posted by Orthopod Tech:
Though I have to admit, I get nervous when he tells me he's playing in a place for the "mentally incapacitated"... OFC tour comes to mind.... |
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February 2004
Posts: 1634
Location: Warren,Pa. | Some years ago Maryanne & I went to Black Mt., NC where she bought a hammered dulcimer for me. I had been in love with the instrument for a long time, and at $1600.00 this one was a work of art.
I still haven't learned to play. A couple of years ago I called the man who made it (Jerry Read Smith @ Song of the Wood) asking if I could send it back to have him sell it in his shop on consignment. He asked "Do you REALLY need the money?"
I told him "No, I just think someone should be playing it."
Well, he told me of a woman who had called him the week before. She had one of his instruments for over 20 years...never learned to play...had called him several times through the years to sell it back to him...he always said no. She called to thank him because now she is a Hospice worker, and she plays her Hammered Dulcimer at the bedsides of dying people she visits every day.
So that's my inspiration for keeping...and one day learning to play this beautiful thing. At the moment I have a good friend who's close to death from cancer, and this has all been heavy on my mind. John <>{ |
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February 2003
Posts: 2178
Location: the BIG Metropolis of TR | Jerry is a super nice guy...I've been to his house and toured his shop and recording studio.
Wonderfully talanted craftsman....His dulcimers are exceptionally well made and true works of art! |
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OT Playing For The Infirm