Tag Archives: Orchestra

BUDI Orchestra Volunteering Opportunity

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BUDI-imageBU’s Dementia Institute (BUDI) are teaming up with professional musicians from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra to create a music group for people with dementia and their carers.

We are looking for up to 5 students to work alongside the musicians, to plan and run the workshops with people with dementia and their carers. You will support them to learn new instruments, sing and re-learn previous skills.

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 8 weekly sessions. We also ask that individuals have some musical knowledge, either through singing or playing an instrument, as you will be supporting people to maintain rhythms and sing along to the music.

For more information about the project, please see our YouTube Video.

The workshops will run for 8 weeks, from Wednesday 4 February – Wednesday 25 March 2015, in the Student Hall, Talbot Campus. These rehearsals will culminate in a final performance on Friday 27 March, in the Atrium, Talbot Campus, to showcase the group’s efforts.

Previous volunteers have found this to be a fun experience that has helped them to gain confidence and communication skills.

For more information, and to volunteer, please contact Laura Reynolds: 01202 962546, or email lreynolds@bournemouth.ac.uk

Deadline for contact: 6 February 2015.

First Dementia Orchestra worldwide performs in Bournemouth

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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.