Singing for the Adult Day Center

Author: Clara Passmore

Prior to my work with the ArtistCorps program, Music Between Us, I would go with my mom, who was a nurse, to nursing homes and play piano for the residents. I had never played and sung before for an audience, and I had never interacted with dementia patients. But it got better over time.

Initially I was very nervous to play and sing for the Williams Adult Day Center participants, but I was pleasantly surprised by how they reacted to the music we shared with them. Due to COVID restrictions, only a couple ArtistCorps members are on-site. The rest of the team participates via Zoom from campus. As I played for them from campus, I noticed they did not join in at first. But now, after a few months, I have learned how to be better at engaging them through the children's songs or the Disney music I choose to share with them. I’ve learned to look at the screen more and see their interactions and enjoy the music even if they do not know the music. I feel that I have developed a deeper connection with the participants at the Day Center through hearing the feedback and reactions they give to certain songs, I can better understand what they like and want to hear/sing. I am getting accustomed to performing over zoom and being able to talk with them without feeling uncomfortable. I have grown in my knowledge and experience to play and sing music and be more engaging.