I was reflecting on the different facilitators that I work alongside when delivering Music Memories sessions and the differences they bring to their role. I have worked with Paul for several years now and it’s like putting on a comfortable pair of slippers, we understand the way we work and can rely on each other for the skills we know we have. Don’t get me wrong, we always have to be prepared that every session will ask something different from us, so we must be on our toes. John has been a part of Forget Me Notes from its conception and working with him at Eagle Lodge has meant enabling people to participate in ways that have moved us all. I now also work with Alan and Kenny who both bring so much to the work they do, and I am so happy to have the chance to work with them. Alan began work with Forget Me Notes because he came as a participant who played the guitar at one of our sessions. He now delivers sessions with me at Ashbrook and Lauder Lodge. Alan has grown in confidence in his role and takes the lead chatting to participants and sharing in some truly awful jokes. It has become very clear just how much those who come to our sessions value Alan. Kenny brings with him a working knowledge of delivering music sessions for those with learning difficulties over many years. I enjoy working alongside him seeing his understanding of how music works for people. To see those skills being used with those who are living with dementia is brilliant. It is very easy to get carried away with the skills he has on the guitar and not acknowledge the gentle way in which he supports people to take part. We also have Tilly and Alice who work away at Seagrove - the Facebook posts and videos show just what a great job they do.
I hope what comes across in this post is that I work with music facilitators who I respect and have the chance to share in special relationships as we watch people open up and share their stories using the medium of music. I must make mention of Friday afternoon at Craighall. Craighall is a very small care home with just twelve residents so getting four residents and two staff is a good percentage of the home. Kenny and I did the song Rock Around the Clock. It was great to see one of the male residents who I think would be in his eighties rock and rolling with the young activities co-ordinator who would be in her early twenties. The joy that was expressed in their faces as they both danced was brilliant to see.
Saturday 20th of April at 7.30pm sees us in concert with the Edinburgh Brass Band. We had the privilege of working with them a few years ago at a Christmas Concert so it will be good to share this time with them. If you fancy coming along then you would be most welcome. The concert is free and there will be a bucket collection at the end of the concert. For those who might be reading these posts who I have never met before, if you plan to come to the concert why not come up, introduce yourself and say hello, it would be great to meet you. I am sure it will be a fun night.
You can book a ticket via Eventbrite. Here is the link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/music-for-spring-tickets-867702941857
Have a good week and speak to you next time.