This article was originally published in SDCC’s Summer 2019, Issue 3 Newsletter

Bringing music to persons with dementia and Alzheimer’s has been a longtime vision of Artistic Director Ruthie Millgard’s. After Millgard recently cultivated a new relationship with Music & Memory, a nonprofit that brings personalized music into the lives of elderly through music technology, our Chamber Choir performed for the Music & Memory partnering facility, Vi at La Jolla Village, for the first time in November. It was an enriching experience for the residents and students alike. Millgard submitted an essay to Music & Memory describing her experience as a volunteer, and she won their First Annual Volunteer Contest!

In her own words, Millgard touches upon the community’s benefit of this new partnership:

“While we know music and singing are beneficial to the brain for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s, these experiences have been equally as beneficial for my high school students...

Debriefing after each performance with my singers could last for hours with each student sharing about a connection they had with a particular audience member. Following each performance, our gracious hosts at Vi at La Jolla Village typically hold a reception, which allows my high schoolers to interact more intimately with memory care residents (which has involved them serenading individuals or being asked to refill a cup of hot cider [see above]).

Few of my students interact with those with memory loss. Most of their great-grandparents have already died, but their grandparents are typically still too young to have reached this stage. Now [my students] have the tools to see what they can do with and for their loved ones when they do reach that stage...”*

- Ruthie Millgard, Artistic Director, San Diego Children's Choir

In June, Millgard presented a workshop at Vi at the La Jolla Village to caregivers and family members on the benefit music and singing have on the brain, and on how to effectively sing with loved ones who have memory loss. It was followed by a concert and group sing-a-long of tunes recognizable by residents.

Millgard is excited to present this workshop, again. We'll announce upcoming workshops on our Facebook page.