ARRRR … Ye reckon there were Pirates everywhere … the senior champions were empowered to dress, act, talk, move and take a VOYAGE during an energizing, engaging and empowering Pirate themed music therapy session! While on our musical voyage, we picked up lit’l pirates along the way (children of the Family Focus preschool) for a SPIRITED Intergenerational Music Therapy program.
The senior champion’s journey began with a calm and reflective wellness and deep breathing exercise to instrumental music. After a lively discussion on a voyage planning and preparation, the litl’ pirates joined us!
Together we discussed what how Pirates talk, walk, wear and do … and incorporated their words in a tune to “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” The new song included: “Today, I’m a Pirate, say ARRRRR” or “I wear EYE PATCHES” “Go on dangerous voyages” and “Look for treasures.”
Then we studied the voyage map of the stops along the way to find the TREASURE. The first stop was “Castanet Island” where the seniors and children welcomed, moved and grooved in pairs with castanets to a lively tune.
Second stop was through the “Straits of the Boomwhackers.” We discovered colorful, bright, and fun percussion tubes that were joyous and melodic. We tapped, slapped, and whacked various rhythms and ways to make beautiful sounds. We also learned how to “Rock” and “Roll” with our senior champion partners!
The last stop was “Under the Sea” … the seniors held and raised extra-large blue and white scarves while the children sat in the middle swimming under the scarves like fish with colorful ribbon streamers. Then the seniors lowered and made waves and currents to simulate being under the sea.
While under the sea, the children were also looking for a treasure chest, they discovered and uncovered a treasure chest full of GOLD, JEWELS and COINS! The children were very EXCITED about their new discovery and shared the precious contents with their senior champion friends. We then sang our special good bye song and the children returned to their classroom. What JOY, excitement, energy, and creativity this program has facilitated in building bridges to connect these two generations.
Then the senior champions transitioned into singing “Peace is Flowing” and substituted words such as: “Grace, Love, and Hope” in the song. The seniors played the song “Morning Has Broken” on the tone chimes to resemble the many beautiful sun rises while taking a voyage. Lastly the voyage was over and everyone returned back safely .. we relaxed with a deep breathing activity to the soothing sounds of the ocean drums.
Reflective comments included: “just marvelous yea mate, energizing, festive, courageous, adventurous, wonderful, Awesome, Joyful, Ahoy Ye Hardies, Happy and Thrilling!”
