As a former church choir director in addition to a multi-instrumentalist, Good Samaritan Society–Prairie Creek resident Lois Nicholas was on the lookout for an outlet for her skills in addition to some mates to play music with. Luckily, she didn’t have to blow on a magic conch shell to summon a musical superteam.
She discovered 9 different residents on the Sioux Falls, SD, senior dwelling group who’re musicians and right this moment, they play concert events for everybody on campus.
“It simply feels good, making music speaks to the soul,” Nicholas mentioned. “Seniors are actually receptive, and they don’t seem to be crucial, so they’re a beautiful viewers.”
Over the vacations, Nicholas and her group carried out Christmas music for assisted dwelling and reminiscence care residents on campus. The bells they used weren’t conventional church bells however relatively toy variations with a distinct pitch. GSS-Prairie Creek Govt Supervisor Alecia O’Neil mentioned that the concert events have been simple to facilitate and exhibit how the group encourages self-expression and lifelong studying.
“I believe that the philosophy of retirement is that you simply by no means cease studying, and I believe we’ve actually embraced that on this campus and attempt to current alternatives for individuals to strive new issues,” she mentioned. “We’ve bought lots of very gifted, extremely educated individuals who reside with us from all walks of life, and I do know I personally achieve a lot by studying from them and having them share their experiences with us as workers or with one another.”
Nicholas was not anticipating a lot from the tour however was pleasantly stunned with its reception.
“I didn’t assume it could be as well-received because it was, however a lot of them did lots of singing,” Nicholas mentioned. “We’ll in all probability take a pair months off after which begin getting ready for an additional live performance.”
See the In Focus archive, and learn how to submit your pictures and knowledge for consideration, right here.