First Dementia Orchestra worldwide performs in Bournemouth

Individuals with dementia, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO), BU students, music scholars, and the Bournemouth University Dementia Institute (BUDI) performed at an event to raise awareness about dementia.

The concert took place as a part of the Dementia Showcase, which raised awareness of a BU’s Dementia Institute and some of the projects they are currently working on to raise awareness for, and improve the lives of, individuals with dementia.

Songs performed by the orchestra included Moon River, You Are My Sunshine and a number of classical favourites – all delivered to a packed crowd at the LifeCentre on Winton High Street.

Building on the concept that music can improve the quality of life for individuals with dementia, participants in the performance were encouraged to sing and play new musical instruments. Two of the performers also stood to dance together during one of the songs.

Laura Reynolds, a research assistant within BUDI, said, “We were delighted to see so many members of the community come to support the BUDI Orchestra performance this Saturday as part of BUDI’s Dementia Showcase. We are so proud of all the Orchestra has achieved. The entire audience was completely captivated from start to finish, and we were all left feeling impassioned by their emotive rendition of Moon River. The Orchestra proves that dementia isn’t a life sentence: their achievements show us that people living with dementia are still full of life and creativity, and can still make invaluable contributions to our lives.”

Sheila Brooks attended the event and was in the audience during the performance. Sheila said, “On Saturday I attended the BU Festival of Learning event at The LifeCentre in Bournemouth.  I am rarely speechless but the performance of the BUDI Orchestra really moved me to silence.  I have followed the development of BUDI since its inception and am amazed at all that has been accomplished in the very short time of two years.”

The orchestra performance was introduced by the High Sherriff of Dorset, Jane Stichbury, who also gave voice to congratulate the orchestra at the end of the concert.  The Dementia Showcase took place as a part of Bournemouth University’s Festival of Learning.

BSO volunteering opportunity for BU Music students

bso-logoThe Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) are offering BU Music students a work-shadowing opportunity.

BU’s Dementia Institute (BUDI) is joining up with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra on a pilot intervention to work with people with dementia and their carers.

The partnership will provide a unique opportunity for five BU Music students to work alongside BSO musicians, planning and running workshops with people with dementia, supporting them to learn new instruments as well as re-learn previous skills.

The workshops will run for 10 weeks, from the Wednesday 9 April – Wednesday 11 June 2014, in the Student Hall, Talbot Campus. These rehearsals will culminate in a final performance on Saturday 14 June 2014, at the Life Centre, Winton, to showcase the group’s efforts.

BUDI’s Research Assistant, Laura Reynolds, says “we’re looking for volunteers with a genuine interest in working with older people, and those who are able to commit to most, if not all, of the 10 weekly sessions. We know that 10 weeks is a big commitment so we will consider students who can commit to the majority of sessions as well. All we ask is that the students have a genuine interest in working with older people, and would be able to help out with rhythm support etc. We are open to interest from individuals and from groups.”

For more information, and to volunteer, please email Laura Reynolds or Sarah Hambidge, or call 01202 962546 by 26 March 2014.

Portrait and postcard exhibition at BU to give voice to people with dementia

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An innovative exhibition created by the Bournemouth University Dementia Institute (BUDI) and artist Derek Eland will give a voice to people with dementia.

(Don’t) Mention Dementia is an immersive pictorial exhibition, featuring hand–written postcards and portrait pictures.

A diary room approach was used to capture the honest and emotional stories of nearly 600 Dorset residents about dementia, and the views of those living with dementia about their experiences.

The exhibition follows on from Derek’s ground–breaking work with soldiers and civilians on the front line in Afghanistan, and reveals the gap in perception between those who live with dementia and the general public.

Professor Anthea Innes, Director of BUDI, said: “Whilst the work was undertaken in Dorset, the response and the messages is universal from those living with dementia, family members, carers and members of the general public, with the postcards and pictures acting as an innovative voice to express their fears, their concerns and their hopes for the future.”

(Don’t) Mention Dementia will be on display at Kimmeridge House, on Bournemouth University’s Talbot Campus, from 10am on Monday 3 June.

The exhibition will be closed by broadcaster and Alzheimer’s Society ambassador Angela Rippon on Thursday 13 June at 12.30pm.

She said she was looking forward to seeing it.

“As an Alzheimer’s Society ambassador, I know how important it is to challenge the stereotypes surrounding dementia,” she said.

“That’s why projects like this are so important in showing the public the real face of dementia, the person behind the diagnosis.”

(Don’t) Mention Dementia has received support from The Alzheimer’s Society, Age UK, Brandon Care Homes and local community groups and businesses in Dorset.

It has already attracted international interest, and is also due to be displayed in Malta in October 2013.

The (Don’t) Mention Dementia exhibition is free to visit, and takes place as part of BU’s Festival of Learning. To find out more visit the Festival of Learning page.

Find out more about Bournemouth University Dementia Institute