When Kelly Romeril, therapeutic recreation manager at the Comox Valley Seniors Village contacted music studio owners, Jeff and Amie Webster, to inquire about working together to connect Comox Valley Kindermusik students with “Grandfriends” at the local seniors’ residence, the answer was a resounding “Yes!”
On Monday mornings you can now see babies, toddlers and preschoolers, along with parents and caregivers, making their way through the hallways of this local seniors’ residence to special “living room” spaces within the home.
Each class begins with local Kindermusik educator and sweet songstress, Ashley Sykes, welcoming students and grandfriends with a cheerful hello song accompanied by the collective tapping, ringing, and drumming of instruments for children and seniors alike.
Onlookers of these special classes would notice the cheer that seeing the antics of each child brings - along with quiet gasps from the seniors as the little ones make surprising rolls or leaps - witnessing the connections being created through music. Swaying, clapping, drumming, tapping and rocking together, it would seem that the years between the children and the seniors have disappeared and that music and the connection it brings is truly for everyone.
To find out more about local music programs for children ages 0-5 you can email motifmusicstudios@gmail.com or visit www.motifmusicstudios.com