The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #51464   Message #803307
Posted By: Kaleea
15-Oct-02 - 01:46 AM
Thread Name: nursing home gigs, info please-neat article added
Subject: RE: nursing home gigs, info pleas
I used to be an activity director at nursing homes. It is important to meet the needs of the residents. Consider what would be the music which the people of their age would enjoy--usually the music of their youth. Take into account the region where most of the residents are from. Old time music (traditional American folk music as well as popular songs which are old) is what makes the residents the most happy & comfortable! The residents are more likely to be women than men, so they enjoy the romantic songs, and songs made popular by the old-time crooners (Bing Crosby, Perry Como, etc.). Usually, the songs which were popular during WWII (big band & swing) are very popular with the residents, as are the songs of the Western Swing bands in certain parts of the country where they would have been listening to the Grand Old Opry & The Lousianna Hayride. If you go to a VA hospital or retirement center, there are bound to be residents from most any "war" time! Most likely, WWII & Korea. Often, there are many who enjoy old fashioned hymns. ALL seniors are likely to be very patriotic, and very much enjoy patriotic songs! In these times, it is especially appropriate!    While the residents usually enjoy any good music, they appreciate hearing the songs of their time the most!