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Greetings and Happy New Year!
I hope you all enjoyed some rest and rejuvenation over the holidays and that music played some part in your festivities. With that in mind, here’s an idea taken from my manifesto “10 Ways to Bring Back the Music for the seniors in your life.”
Remember the record player? The seniors you serve certainly do! How about planning a weekly music gathering based on playing records?
Sorting through a selection of records, choosing which ones to play, and listening together is a great activity and conversation starter for a small group. Who knows – there might even be singing along and/or dancing! In addition to talking about the musicians and the music, the album jackets often have interesting art that will be recognizable and likely to spark discussion. With record albums that people can handle, look at and listen to you’re utilizing three of the five senses to aid in both recall and enjoyment.
Bring out a stack of popular records and here’s what I bet you’ll hear. “Oh! I remember that record! I listened to it all the time!” It’s a treat to hear the original versions (scratches and all) of the standards people know and love. For people who have grown up listening to and handling record albums, CDs just are not the same.
Looking for a family/intergenerational activity? This is it! Vinyl is making a comeback and this would be a great way for grandparents to share a musical experience with their grandchildren.
Give it a try. I bet your residents will love it. And you will have found another way to “bring back the music.”
Yours in song,
Mary Sue
PS. Don’t have a record player or records? Check out Mary Sue Recommends for links to inexpensive record players and suggestions for how to start up your record collection.
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Mary Sue Recommends:
RECORD PLAYERS
Crosley Record Players. (A sample is pictured to the right .)
JC Penny has them on sale right now, Bed Bath and Beyond have them as does Walmart. There are several models to choose from starting at less than $100.
Cabinet Stereos (like my Magnavox below) are
sometimes found at thrift shops or estate sales. Put the word out that you are looking for one and you might be surprised.  The sound will be much better than the portable Crosley. Greg at RPM Records can help you get a new needle for it.
RECORD ALBUMS
Start by asking your residents and their families if they have any records they would be willing to give you. Thrift shops often have records for about $1 each. With a little bigger budget you can go to RPM Records. Located at 3275 West South Airport Road, Traverse City, MI 49684 (In the strip mall across from the Cherryland Mall).
A FEW ALBUM SUGGESTIONS
Peggy Lee
Frank Sinatra
Nat King Cole
Ella Fitzgerald
Elvis Presley
Sound tracks for Musicals such as The Sound of Music, Oklahoma, South Pacific
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Start the New Year off with Music
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Songs You Know By Heart – Mary Sue Wilkinson
Price $15 plus $3 shipping
 Songs You Know By Heart is a collection of 18 favorites from the Young at Heart Music program. The CD features Mary Sue’s crystal clear vocals on classics such as Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree, Let Me Call You Sweetheart,Shine On Harvest Moon, Sunny Side of the Street, You Are My Sunshine and more. Great to listen to and perfect for singing along.
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Share this newsletter using Facebook, Twitter or by email using the buttons below.
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 Mary Sue Wilkinson is the founder of Singing Heart to HeartTM and the Young at Heart Music Program. She is a career educator and professional musician. And she loves to sing! Her flagship program, Young at Heart Music, is devoted to bringing the joy of music and singing to seniors with decades of life experiences and memories tied to music. Mary Sue is available as a speaker sharing her expertise about the power of music to awaken memories and bring joy. Together with Tiyi Schippers, Mary Sue also provides music experiences for young children and training for early childhood educators.
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