Songbird

Songbird is an incredible program where 7th and 8th grade Chorus and Musical Theatre students at Avalon Middle School share music and establish relationships with elders living with dementia. Following a 4-week training period, students are partnered with Memory Care Residents at Encore at Avalon Park Assisted Living. Using Music & Memory strategies, the students learn about what kind of music their residents love and connect to, then they research and share that music during weekly visits. The results are breathtaking – people whose disease has taken away their ability to fully and authentically express themselves are gifted with moments of clarity and joy. Their reactions range from a simple smile, to engaging conversation, to memory sharing, to dancing and playing instruments. These moments bring incredible joy to the residents and give students a greater understanding of the power and importance of music and community. After 2 ½ years of being unable to have this wonderful program, Avalon Middle School and Encore at Avalon Park Assisted Living are thrilled to have the opportunity to connect music students and memory care residents once again.

Alive Inside Adopt an Elder Service Learning from Stephanie Lerret on Vimeo.