A big thank you to Two Can Uke
We would like to say a proper thank you to the ladies from Two Can Uke, who spent Friday [DATE] afternoon with us at Lear House and gave everyone one of the most enjoyable sessions we have had in a while.
They arrived with ukuleles, a songbook full of favourites and exactly the right kind of energy for a Friday afternoon, and the room was singing along within minutes.
Music, singing, percussion and dancing
The afternoon had everything. There was singing, there was percussion for anyone who wanted an instrument in their hands, and there was a good deal of dancing too.
What makes a session like this work is that there is a way in for everyone. Some residents wanted to be up and moving. Others were happy with a tambourine or a shaker, keeping time from their chair. Some simply sang, and some sat back and enjoyed listening. Nobody is ever asked to do more than they feel like doing, and that is part of why the atmosphere stays so relaxed.
By the end of the afternoon the room was thoroughly warmed up and in very good spirits.
Why live music matters at Lear House
Recorded music is lovely, but there is no substitute for musicians in the room.
Live performance brings something different. There is eye contact, there is the chance to request a song, and there is the sense of an occasion rather than a background soundtrack. Familiar songs also have a way of reaching people that very little else does, bringing back memories and prompting conversations that carry on long after the musicians have packed up.
That is why live music sits at the heart of our activities programme at Lear House, alongside our exercise sessions, craft groups, intergenerational visits and community partnerships.
They are already back in the diary
The best endorsement we can give is this: Two Can Uke are already booked in for another visit.
We are looking forward to welcoming them back, and we will share the details closer to the time.