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In the last two months we’ve been having a fantastic time listening to great live music, and taking part in a range of creative activities, with residents at Abbeyfield’s Millbeck House care home. The performances and workshops were part of Tones & Shades, a project we’re running with Live Music Now.
Live Music Now select young, professional musician and send them out into the community to perform for some of society’s most disadvantaged. Millbeck House residents were treated to a selection of supremely talented young musicians; Musala, Vista Trio, Bright Season, Chloe and Stephanie & Katie’s Allsorts.
Some played familiar songs, which brought back memories, whilst others offered the chance to experience new music including jazz, folk, classical and fusion. A lot of the residents got involved; singing along to popular tunes, taking part in musical games, keeping beat with hand held instruments and shakers.
We recruited a series of artists to run creative activities for residents. Dave Wood kicked this off with some light-hearted instant theatre. The residents and Dave improvised a play, spontaneously rewriting the story of Robin Hood. Martin Sommerville ran a clay animation workshop; Jess Kemp created carnival masks; Andrea Haley explored movement and music; and Ola Wilson did paintings with the residents.
Millbeck House resident Betty said:
“I look forward to all of the sessions and have been making the most of them. I welcome the younger people coming into the care home”
Now it’s up to residents and care home staff to decide which artists would like to bring back to work with them for a further 10 weeks. In this next stage the artist and musicians will collaborate. We will keep you updated on the projects progress.