For Activity Directors & Education Folks Creating activities for older audiences at assisted living and retirement communities presents a unique set of challenges. While people of all ages appreciate good entertainment and lively music, with seniors, you have to specifically gear the show to match their needs. If the show goes beyond just music, it has an enriching quality. If a show has consideration for the physical and emotional needs of this audience - and connects with them in a special way, that’s a great bonus. So here’s what I keep in mind when writing and performing shows for seniors. Calypso Ted Play songs that recall happy memories I like when audience members are inspired by my music to recall pleasant memories. Songs can automatically take them back to the time and place where they first heard it. It’s great when audience members smile and say “I know that that one. That’s one of my favorites!” Invite participation Steel Drum and Calypso music by nature is very rhythmic. It’s not uncommon for audience members to spontaneously sing along, dance, tap their toes and clap their hands. So I like to pick songs that are fun and catchy. Visually stimulate You have to please their eyes as well as their ears. My Sing-Along shows accomplish that by projecting the lyrics on a big screen along with fun visuals. Also my Steel Drums just look cool and so do my fancy Hawaiian shirts! Not too loud! This almost goes without saying. Hearing aids are very sensitive and the last thing you want to see is an audience member covering their ears. Hearing is precious, so I’m careful to avoid louder volumes and sudden increases. Tell the story behind the song The best songs tell a story with their lyrics. But sometimes the story behind the song can be just as interesting. So I try to include some background info on the song’s composer, where it was written and what it was about. It can be a great mini history lesson. Take them on an armchair travelogue A lot of people take cruises and vacations to warm sunny places with blue waters, sandy beaches, and great food and drinks. One of the finest exports from the tropical islands is the music. I sometimes talk about the music’s origins and life on the islands to give the audience the feel of the place where the music comes from. This stimulates their imaginations and makes them feel good. Lift the spirit As my Aunt Marie used to say “Growing old is no picnic!” Well then I say – “So let’s have a picnic!” If I can make my senior audiences happy or smile or dance or enjoy themselves in some way – that makes my day and makes all the rehearsing and hard work well worth it. Did I miss anything? Do you have a tip for inspiring older audiences? Please post a comment below or reach me via my CONTACT page. I would be glad to hear from you. For General Questions about Shows, Prices and Booking – visit my FAQ page.
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AuthorCalypso Ted Merkle - Steel Drum artist, performer and educator. Archives
October 2017
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