Finding calm and respite with music in Alcester
SOOTHING live classical music sessions are helping people with dementia in Alcester.
The one-hour music sessions are held at various locations and start with a talk by musicians followed by a 45-minute music session.
“It’s fascinating to watch,” said Alcester town councillor, Mark Cargill, who first had the idea about the sessions some months ago. “When the music is played it reaches deep into people and there’s a transformation as they come out of their bubble and they start smiling or tapping their feet, their whole demeanour changes. Some of these people might have spent months not really talking to anyone but all of a sudden, they’re not looking inwards anymore they are looking outwards and the music releases them for a short while.”
Cllr Cargill explained how the sessions came to life.
“I knew a professional musician called Louise Braithwaite, from the Alcester area, who taught my daughter to play oboe. Louise has played with many orchestras including the Orchestra of the Swan and she’s also fully qualified to undertake these sessions with people who have dementia or other issues. I asked her if she could help me with this project and she said ‘yes’ and now she organises them perfectly.
“They are so skilled. She listens to feedback and then amends the session next time round. We had one member in a recent group who can be a little difficult – as happens with dementia – but by the end of the session this person was completely calm.”
A mixture of instruments are played including cello, oboe, viola and cor anglais.
“The thing about dementia is, those who have it don’t know they’ve got it and that’s what places such pressure on the carers. Having these sessions not only helps those living with the condition it also gives carers some valuable respite,” Cllr Cargill said.
