Season 6- Episode 67

Season 6- Episode 67

This is the first episode in a new series about intergenerational engagement.

Intergenerational programs provide opportunities to bridge the generation gap through interactive activities and shared experiences.

Research suggests that people living with dementia who take part in intergenerational programs are less isolated, and feel a heightened sense of belonging, self-esteem, and well-being. Likewise, there are many benefits for the young person, too.

In this episode, Lisa Loiselle speaks to a group of people involved in the Circle of Music, an intergenerational choir for people living with dementia, their care partner and local high school students in Kitchener-Waterloo in Southwestern Ontario.

Sasha Judelson is the creator of The Circle of Music program. She created it as part of her capstone project for her Masters in Community Music at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo and continues to lead and facilitate the choir. Sasha is also the director and lead teacher for Great Lakes Music Together, an early childhood music centre building a musical foundation for young kids. She is passionate about bringing informal, joyful music-making to as many people as possible!

Ernie McFarland and Mary McMartin are enthusiastic participants in the Circle of Music program. Ernie is a retired physics professor from the University of Guelph. Mary continues to work part time at Framing and Art Centre Waterloo. Important in their lives is a shared love of family. Travel, hiking and gardening are happy pastimes. 

Beth Wasylyk is a high school teacher at Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute. She teaches Psychology in the International Baccalaureate program. She also teaches Food and Nutrition, is the teacher-student liaison teacher for The Circle of Music and coaches the swim team.

Marko Voronych was a student participant in the intergenerational choir and is currently a university student.

We learn more about this program and why the intergenerational aspect are so important to everyone involved.

Resources:

Sasha Judelson

circleofmusickw@gmail.com

519 573 4569