Week #25
Energizing/Inspiring Movement Songs (Part 1)
This is week 25 of the year and we will be celebrating energizing/inspiring movement songs, by delving into the songs and applying concepts to create more joy and connection during caregiving routines with music.
The songs are:
SING ALONG
Featured Song
I’M GONNA SING
I’m Gonna Sing is not typically associated with one specific “famous” singer or group. Instead it is often featured in choir settings, as it's a well-loved and widely performed piece. Here is a fun rendition of the song that I hope you enjoy!
Creative Ideas
HOW TO USE THE MUSIC
Try humming or singing along with the provided recording, or one of your choosing for increased feeling of ______.
Listen to a recording to create a shared experience.
Listen while engaged in daily routines, to add a feeling of familiarity and comfort (if the song is known and loved)
Try reminiscing with the song history, or singers of the song. Look at pictures famous singers who performed the song.
SELF-CARE TIPS
CAREGIVING TIPS
Try playing Trivia with the songs from this week! The Trivia questions are below and on this pdf file. It includes the question and the answer. Just read the questions and attempt to answer the questions. You can offer a physical prize (food or drink treat, hand lotion, tissues, etc) or a celebration with cheers and a hug. Have fun!
DID YOU KNOW?
Story
Many years ago, I witnessed something close to a miracle…
Back in the 90’s I was working as a music therapist for a company called CCC Music Therapy in Austin, TX (which is now the Center for Music Therapy, founded by Hope Young). I was facilitating groups with a licensed LMSW Social Worker in older adult facilities that served people with mental health disorders. The work was very rewarding and I was learning so much everyday from the seniors, the social worker and the music.
In one of the facilities, we had a participant who attended in a wheelchair, never spoke, and did not move on his own very much. He would watch the group, but did not participate. After about 6 months of these consistent behaviors of watching, not talking, not singing, not doing the movements, and seeming to not respond very much to the music or the group process, this gentlemen did something that I consider a miracle.
He leaned over to me, mid-song, while I was playing San Antonio Rose,
and asked
me
to
dance!
I, of course, said yes! I signaled to the social worker to call over a staff member for safety precautions. Luckily, I play the accordion and I could continue the song with my left hand, while I held his hand with my right. Time stood still while we danced, smiled and felt the importance of this moment for this man. Over those 6 months, we built up enough trust that he could open up and share himself with us in ways that the facility had not even seen. The staff did not know that he could walk, let alone dance.
Music has the power to move us. To move us to do things that we did not know we were capable of. I am so grateful for this experience so early in my career. I continue to witness beautiful, inspiring moments. But that day was extra special for sure!
Thank you for taking the time to read through our newsletter. I hope you found at least one tip or inspiration that will bring more joy to your caregiving. 😄
In the music,
Lisa Peterson
🎵
