For the past couple of weeks, we have been having a volunteer come into our home to help form our own choir. Every Wednesday morning, our residents practice a selection of songs and after a few weeks, we decided to host our very own performance for our friends and family.
The show day was on Thursday 14th September and our residents sang their hearts and souls out. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed performing for their loved ones, so much so, that Phil our choir leader has now started planning our Christmas performance.
Since the show, we have had the pleasure of having a new singer join us. Fiona McLean from 'Jukebox Legends' got all of our residents involved and after her amazing performance, we have asked her to come back to join in more of our choir sessions.
Creating a choir with our residents offers numerous advantages to those involved and it greatly enriches the overall atmosphere within our home. Music possesses a remarkable ability to forge connections among people and stir emotions.
Participating in a choir can serve as a potent means of self-expression and emotional release for all residents, including those with dementia and specific nursing requirements. It empowers residents to tap into their emotions and cherished memories. The act of singing together nurtures a profound sense of belonging and community. The process of learning new songs, following musical cues and harmonising with others, stimulates the cognitive facets of their minds, ultimately contributing to improved mental health.
It's well-established that music possesses therapeutic properties, particularly for individuals with dementia. Our dementia residents find this experience especially rewarding. Singing familiar songs often rekindles memories, triggers cognitive functioning and elevates emotional well-being. The choir setting offers a secure and supportive space for residents to freely express themselves, allowing many to feel completely in their element, which is truly heartwarming to witness.
The process of learning new songs, refining vocal skills, and performing in front of an audience can significantly boost self-esteem and confidence.
