Intergenerational Choir: Bridging Generations Through Music and Memory

The Medway High School intergenerational choir is a remarkable program that brings together Grades 11 and 12 choral students with Alzheimer patients in the early to middle stages of the disease. This unique initiative was launched in 2012 by Medway High School, the Sisters of St. Joseph, and the Alzheimer Society of London.

Jeff Beynon, a former vocal music teacher at Medway, spearheaded the program after his own teacher and friend, Ken Fleet, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Kathy McNaughton, the head of the music department at Medway, now leads the choir.

The program provides students with training on dementia and communication strategies to help them interact effectively with their affected partners. One Grade 12 participant highlighted the importance of this training, stating that 'It was particularly helpful to know what to expect ahead of time, and it was especially important for us to understand that music can trigger memories in the patients.'

A family member of a participating patient shared the positive impact of the choir on her spouse, noting that 'when singing, she notices a light in her spouse's eyes.' She observed that 'It is almost as though he fully awakens, and he remembers events that happened long ago.' This sentiment was further illustrated by a particularly heartwarming moment when her husband asked after a song, 'if she had remembered that it had been played at their wedding reception over 40 years ago.'

The choir performs annually in London, Ontario, drawing audiences who witness the transformative power of music. Participants and audience members alike agree that music possesses an incredible ability to connect us to our core.

Answering the Questions:

1. The Grade 12 choir participant emphasized that the training was crucial because they needed to learn about dementia and effective communication strategies. They also learned about music's ability to trigger memories in patients, preparing them for these experiences.

2. The passage doesn't mention why Alzheimer patients in the late stage of the disease are not involved in the choir.

3. The patient's caregiver expressed great satisfaction with the program. She described how singing brought a light to her spouse's eyes, reviving memories of events from the past. She fondly recalled the moment when her husband asked if she remembered their wedding reception song from over 40 years ago, showcasing the program's positive impact.

4. The intergenerational choir offers numerous benefits to teenagers, Alzheimer patients, and their caregivers. The teenagers gain valuable knowledge about dementia and communication skills. For the patients, the music serves as a powerful tool for recalling past experiences and emotions. The caregivers experience the joy of seeing their loved ones reminisce and connect through music, providing a meaningful and shared activity.

The Medway High School intergenerational choir beautifully exemplifies the power of music to bridge generations and foster connections, offering a beacon of hope and a testament to the human spirit.