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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | "You all will probably start to be annoyed with me because I’ll bring this topic up at least twice each year. To me it’s just that important!
I included this in another thread, but felt it would be lost there so....
I know there are many Members here who play in public, but many more who only play in their own home. To all of you, my suggestion is this:
Contact the Activities Director at a local Convalescent Home and offer to play (for free) for the Residents. Put together a program for them. It can be as simple as a single guitarist playing or as involved as a multi-member group playing/singing with a PA system, etc.
I’m the director for my Church’s Elder Care Music Ministry and we play the Rest Home gig each month and it is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.
Our group is rather eclectic: 4 or 5 guitars, 1 mandolin, 1 bass, keyboard, banjo, French Horn, kazzoos, tambourine and singers! We even have a 10 minute “sermonette”! We play many of the old favorite Hymns and our program lasts about 1 hour. When finished, we go into the hallways/rooms and play for those who are bedridden and couldn’t make it over to the program.
The joy on the faces of these dear folks is indescribable! The blessing is enormous!
Please, consider something like this in your area, especially during the Holidays. Either do it alone, or find some friends and make it big! It will be the best gig you could ever imagine!
When I look out at their faces when we are “in full flight” playing a song and I know that they have forgotten their condition and where they are, even for a moment, my heart soars!
Try it! You’ll like it!" |
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | Tim,
+1 :cool: |
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Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 608
Location: Caribou, ME | My father used to go play and sing at the nursing homes and veterans homes. He dedicated his second album to them. |
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Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 3619
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | I used to do that once a week with my wife and kids on Friday nights, but have now found myself wrapped up with so many jobs and programs that I'm buried. Thanks for the reminder though. Perhaps it's time to reassess those priorities and make sure I'm doing things that will last. |
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Joined:
July 2010
Posts: 187
Location: Nahant, MA | My mother spend 15 months in a nursing home last year (she finally worked her way out with the help of some awesome physical therapists!). They often had "musical programs" ranging from high school choirs to individuals willing to share whatever talents they had. All were greatly appreciated, regardless of skill level. Many of these folks rarely have visitors and social events are very important. Even if they don't seem to be responding, know that they are appreciative. And if a spontaneous sing-along breaks out...all the better! |
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Joined:
April 2010
Posts: 1227
Location: Connersville, Indiana | I have met a lot of great people in Nursing homes, halfway houses and assisted living homes. A lot of these people knew some of my family long ago. The joy you receive is better than any high you could get from any narcotic or alcohol. It makes the heart feel good. ksdaddy thank your father for me for playing in the VA homes. Thank you |
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | Tim,
I just thought. The thread is incomplete without the picture. |
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Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 4833
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | Pop-corn!
Pop-corn!
Pop-CORN! |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | ...couldn't agree more!:
The 3 Wise Guys at the Convalescent Home Christmas Program:
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Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 367
Location: Eaton, Indiana | I have a regular schedule of nursing homes I play at each month. What a reward to see the smiles on the residents faces. A blessing worth more than money.
My wife is an activity director at one of these homes. It is a part of our ministry.
Thanks to all who share their gifts with those who have given so much to us.
scott lamperd b c (before computers) |
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Joined:
June 2005
Posts: 1320
Location: Round Rock, TX | I've played in convalescent homes, children's hospitals, hospital waiting rooms and patient rooms and in the homes of shut-ins. In every case I find it's impossible to bless them as much as I get blessed. Can't be done. |
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...here I go again.....