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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | You all will probably be annoyed with me (ok Cliff!) because I’ll bring this topic up at least twice each year. To me it’s just that important!
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. 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!
tim |
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | Tim,
Thanks for the reminder.
How about the now famous "Jiffy Pop" picture. :D |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | ...someone took out a Cease And Desist Court Injunction against posting the picture.... :(
...but then I've never been known to follow orders!
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12761
Location: Boise, Idaho | I think they're just in awe of Tim's hat. |
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | Tim,
Thanks. I needed that. :confused: |
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Joined:
February 2008
Posts: 158
Location: South Windsor Connecticut | Hey Tim,
I have been involved with a variety of local nursing homes first just singing and then singing and playing guitar. It is very rewarding yet can be sad as well. Thanks for encouraging others to give it a try. |
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OT Annual Convalescent Home Outreach Thread
