Week #27
Patriotic Songs
This is week 27 of the year and we will be celebrating Patriotic 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
AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL
America the Beautiful Here Ray Charles’ classic version of the song. I hope you enjoy it!
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
As you plan for how to celebrate the 4th of July with the one(s) you care for, keep these things in mind:
DID YOU KNOW?
Story
When Singing The Star-Spangled Banner
One 4th of July, I was taught a valuable lesson. The year was between 2016-2019. I was facilitating a Patriotic singalong at an Assisted Living facility for 4th of July and things were going very smoothly. In fact, people were singing, laughing, socializing and reminiscing between songs, as they did each week. One of the residents requested the Star-Spangled Banner and we all turned to the song’s page and began to sing. However, after a few bars of singing, I heard a loud holler from the back of the room. It was so loud, that most people in the room, including me, startled. I stopped the music immediately and tended to the man who had hollered. Red in the face, he told me that I was disrespecting our country, the song and everyone present by not inviting us to stand for the song. I apologized for this oversight and told him that it was important to me to honor our country, the song and everyone in the room. I then gave the singers the option to stand if they wanted to or the option to stay seated if they needed to for safety or if that was their choice for any other reason. The particular man that been upset by this left the group and did not stay to sing with us.
I felt sadness for upsetting this man, but also honored that he shared how important this was to him. So, in addition to inviting people to stand if they want to and if it feels physically safe to do so, when singing the national anthem, I have also learned to listen to and seek to learn what is important to people when it comes to how they like to receive and express through music.
Feel free to share your stories of what is important to you regarding the music in your life.
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
🎵
