IMAGE 2 Austin Heath CROP WEB

OVER 55s & OLDER PEOPLE

Singing and music have been proven to have significant positive effects, improving mental and physical health, well-being and happiness.  As well as bringing people together in a fun and sociable activity, singing helps to combat isolation in older people and to reconnect memory and alleviate anxiety in people living with dementia.

Our choirs, singing sessions and workshops are aimed at every stage of later life, from those living independently in retirement villages, to people in care homes and those living with dementia.

All our sessions are led by Armonico Consort’s expert workshop leaders and professional pianists with keyboard.

If you’d like more information on any of our projects for the Over 55s and older people, please contact Sarah Riddell at sriddell@armonico.org.uk

Memory Choir NEW_front

MEMORY SINGERS

The Warwick Memory Singers are Armonico Consort’s first community choir group for people living with dementia and their carers.  We have worked in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society’s Singing for the Brain initiative who have trained our professional musicians to deliver these specialist sessions.

This weekly social group aims to create a relaxed, fun space for the carers as much as for the participants, with tea, cake and chat as well as singing, movement and percussion instruments.

The music is very varied, depending on the participants involved, and includes golden oldies and some Baroque music in which Armonico Consort are specialists.

Each week, a mini performance gives a chance for participants and carers to enjoy some beautiful music performed by Armonico’s superb musicians.

We hope to add data to early studies on how Baroque music specifically can help people living with dementia.  This will add to the already well documented health and well-being benefits of music and singing generally.

MUSIC IN CARE HOMES

Our weekly 45-minute sing-along sessions in care settings focus on participation, social interaction and an element of performance.

They bring together residents, visitors and staff to sing well-known songs from many genres – including musicals, stage and screen and golden oldies – tailored to each individual group.  Movement and the use of percussion instruments are encouraged.

A short solo performance by one of Armonico’s singers or players is incorporated into each session to give everyone a chance to sit back and enjoy the music.

Armonico Consort perform outdoors to residents of Elm Grove Care Home. 
Image (c) BUPA
Armonico Consort perform outdoors to residents of Elm Grove Care Home. Image (c) BUPA

“Our residents were delighted to have been treated to a performance from Armonico Consort. Music brings such happiness to them and it was wonderful to see so many smiling faces.” Debbie Buttars, Home Manager, Elm Grove care home

A singing session at Austin Heath Retirement Village
A singing session at Austin Heath Retirement Village

RETIREMENT VILLAGES

Our community choirs in retirement villages meet weekly and are a superb way to bring residents and staff together in an enjoyable, social activity that boosts energy levels and happiness.  No experience necessary!

Armonico’s experts will lead the singers through new songs, including part-singing and rounds.  The repertoire is selected through discussion with the participants and covers well-known songs from a wide variety of genres and eras, from the silver screen to rock and roll and beyond.  Performances for family and friends can also be arranged.

“The residents at Austin Heath love participating in Armonico’s regular choir sessions. Inspired Villages focuses on helping people live independent, healthier lives for longer and music, with its many wellbeing benefits, is crucial to that, so we always encourage music activities within the village.”  Alison Harrison, Village Manager at Austin Heath.