Music Appreciation Program Returns with a Twist

United’s popular Music Appreciation program is back after a hiatus of almost five months due to COVID. But rather than an in-person program, Zoom was used to connect Jill LaForty, United’s music director, with residents at both Fish Creek and Garrison Green.

Everyone is enjoying it because they are all seeking to expand their horizons.

Jill set up the Music Appreciation program about five years ago to not only help residents rediscover the classics, but to delve below the surface of the music to give residents the context and meaning behind the composition of the timeless pieces.

Describing the origins of the program Jill Said:

The residents frequently attended concerts and wanted more in-depth understanding behind the music. The beauty is that the program attracts residents who are familiar with the music, and those who aren’t. Everyone is enjoying it because they are all seeking to expand their horizons.

For the return of the Music Appreciation program, Jill heard from Maureen Miller, a Fish Creek resident who suggested a discussion around composers who had physical disabilities.

I got the idea after attending an art studio workshop where the creative facilitator, Jeff Chan, spoke about artists who had various disabilities yet were able to produce masterpieces. I left Jill’s music presentation thinking about the human drive that allows talented people to go forward and accomplish great, extraordinary things. It is that drive plus the support of exceptional teachers who were willing to work with them to open new ways to get to where they needed to be.

~ Maureen Miller (Fish Creek Resident)

We also had to be creative to find an alternative way to bring the program.

Jill found the topic particularly poignant: “The program was about musicians who had to find another way to play due to a disability.

In a way, we also had to be creative to find an alternative way to bring the program – in fact almost all of our programs – to residents despite being affected by the COVID safety protocols.”

“I love being in the same room and engaging with residents during the program, and I stay afterwards to talk with them and get their reactions and suggestions.

But this time we used Zoom and another piece of software that allowed me to interact with them from my home and have control over the Fish Creek theatre’s computer to play my video clips.

It was a little complicated, but we wanted to make the program as dynamic as possible without me actually being in the same room with them.

And we held two sessions to enable as many residents as possible to take part.”

Since COVID protocols were put into place, Jill and the creative facilitators at both communities have found innovative ways of bringing music to the residents.

Students from the Mount Royal Conservatory have performed for residents via phone and Zoom.

There have been several concerts outside of the buildings on Canada Day and during the Stampede, the art studios are open and programming is expanding daily.

Jill is also planning a series of virtual concerts beginning in August, which will run until musicians can come into our communities.

The concerts will be held in real time, giving residents an opportunity to engage with the performers. The first concert will be with two of Calgary’s top musicians Aaron Young and Denis Dufresne, who will play a mix of old standards and newer material that will connect with residents. Then in September, we’ll have Mark DeJong and Mark Limacher perform jazz classics.

Mark DeJong (left) and friends perform jazz favourites in June for residents of Fish Creek

Those special performances, together with regular video programming in the theatre, and workshops starting up again in the art studios, bring a large variety of programs to residents at a time when getting out to performances isn’t yet possible.

“United has always had a commitment to lifelong learning. It’s encouraging to see the variety of programs growing every day,” said Jill.

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Here are some quotes from our residents during COVID-19:

"we are being well taken care of"

I’m very reassured by what United is doing. We are getting plenty of communication, so we know what is going on, and we are getting a heads-up on future planning. It gives everyone a lot of comfort that we are being well taken care of.

Hear from United's Residents

Wise Words During COVID-19

Our residents interests and passions have always helped us create our sought-after community atmosphere, programming and services.

EXPLORE FISH CREEK WEST

Hear from United's Residents

Wise Words During COVID-19

Our residents interests and passions have always helped us create our sought-after community atmosphere, programming and services.

EXPLORE ASSISTED LIVING

EXPLORE INDEPENDENT LIVING

"I’m thankful that I’m here"

I’m thankful that I’m here. If I was in my own home, I wouldn’t be going anywhere. I would be quite concerned being on my own, but I don’t feel that here.

"applauded for going above and beyond"

The employees are to be applauded for going above and beyond to help to keep a positive environment. Today, there are more programs opening up, more exercise classes and more programs in the theatre.