Mad Hatte

A Douglas College Newslette

 

 

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MUSIC FOR WHATEVER AILS YOU

THE MUSIC WITHIN YOU:
REDUCING STRESS

AY you tense, nervous, overstressed from work?
You don’t need to go away ona long, expensive
Caribbean vacation before you can wind down from
the pressures. Instead, turn on the music and IM-
AGINE yourself on a soothing beach.

Learn how to use music as a tension-reliever, as
well as to enhance creativity and give you new ener-
gy: Douglas College, in New Westminster, is offer-
ing a four-hour course, "The Music Within You:
Reducing Stress," with instruction by music
therapists Kay Thompson and Kerry Burke.

 

This course is for "any tired or busy person who
wants to lighten up and loosen up,” says Thompson.

The course, which Thompson describes as "ex-
perimental", includes learning to relax through
guided imagery. "Let the music take you on a jour-
ney," says Thompson, adding: “but it’s up to you
where the journey is."

Other class experiences include movement to
music, using your voice and playing percussion in-
struments.

"Using music in new ways is a lot of fun," Kerry
Burke stresses.

Different types of music will be used to aid class
instruction.

"The Music Within You: Reducing Stress" is
scheduled for Saturday, October 29, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30
p.m. at Douglas College.

For more information call 520-5477.

 

MUSIC AND THE ELDERLY

 

 

Mi is a popular tool used by those who work
with the elderly, especially in a recreational or
social setting.

Making music in a group, whether it is in a sing-a-
long or a rhythm band, "gives a feeling of together-
ness," says music therapist Kay Thompson.

She adds: "And they can participate in a non-
threatening way at their own level."

Music therapists Kay Thompson and Kerry Burke
are teaching a course at Douglas College in New
Westminster which will help people bring music
into the lives of senior citizens.

“Music and the Elderly” is geared to anyone who
is working with seniors," Thompson says. “This in-
cludes volunteers and program staff working in
seniors’ recreational or residential facilities, nursing
staff and family members who are care-givers in
their own homes."

Thompson and Burke will teach skills on using
music in a social context such as sing-alongs, music
appreciation classes, movement with music instruc-
tion and rhythm bands.

"It’s fun and informative," says Kerry Burke.

One reason music is such a powerful tool is that a
certain song or tune can have happy associations.
"Music often has so many good memories for
people," Thompson points out.

"Music and the Elderly" is scheduled for Wednes-
day, October 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at
Douglas College.

For more information call 520-5476.

  

 

 

Mad Hatter - October 4 1988 -1