Just wanted to tell how this Sunday three of us did a short concert for about 20 Alzheimer's patients. I was dubious about this, thinking that we would be performing for totally unresponsive people, but this was not the case. They all listened attentively, applauded, offered occasional compliments and clapped along in time when we led them. It was good.

We had soprano recorder, percussion, and mandolin or bouzouki. I had other recorders and flutes along, but only the soprano carried well enough in the big room, so the others went unused.

Best of all, the mother of our mandolin player recognized him and wife and went around introducing him to everyone. (Somedays she doesn't even know who they are.) I like to think that it was the sight and sound of him playing that triggered her memory.

Next time, I won't be scared.