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Schijndel – The new year has begun. They would like to inform you about a new initiative in Schijndel: Children-Elders and Music (KOM). It is increasingly recognized that singing and making music together has an impact on everyone.
Singing and making music together is the daily world of music teacher Margré van Gestel. As conductor of the children’s choir Tof! and pop choir The Key is certainly no stranger to Schijndel. In 2024 she will start something new in Schijndel: seniors (with dementia) will sing and make music together with small children (and a parent) in Villa Rozenburg.
Scientific studies show that music has an effect on everyone and that small children, elementary school students, teenagers, adults and seniors with dementia benefit from singing and making music together.
Margré van Gestel answers some questions she was asked:
What is the reason for this initiative?
I’ve been living in Schijndel for 8 years now and the idea of starting another KOM (Children, Elderly and Music) project has been floating around in my head for some time. I have already organized these music meetings in my former hometown of Zevenhuizen and in Rotterdam at “de Magistraat”. That was always a great success. Parents, small children and seniors enjoyed it and looked forward to the hour of singing and making music together every week. The opening of the new location “Villa Rozenburg” at Hoofdstraat 190 in Schijndel was a great opportunity to talk to location manager Jolanda van Overdijk and discuss whether we could get behind the wheel together. And that worked.
What do you do during such a KOM music moment?
Every meeting begins with a fixed welcome song in which not only the children but also the seniors are welcomed. I always use a hand puppet because it’s a fun and safe way to make contact. Everyone is greeted personally. The children come to shake hands or give a high five, and the seniors then naturally follow their example. Then we sing, listen, play, move and work with instruments, often repeating the songs and games. The seniors are always included in the activity so that they can actively participate. So you’re not just there as a spectator. We end the meeting with a farewell song. Afterwards we drink coffee/tea together and there is lemonade for the small children.
What songs do you use in a lesson like this?
The songs used are a mixture of well-known repertoire from our culture such as “Zagen saw wiede wiede waggon” and “1 2 3 4 hat aus Papier”, but also new songs such as “Raindrops”, in which we also use rain pipes to imitate the sound of rain. We really play together at the meetings. Parents and children together, but also seniors with their children. In addition, various materials are used that challenge both children and adults to play and move. Think scarves, drums and shake eggs. And if we can, we also move and dance through the room.
When do music lessons start?
The first meeting will take place on Wednesday morning, January 10, 2024, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., followed by coffee and tea and something to drink for the little ones. Parents and seniors receive a copy of all the songs so they can create their own music booklet. You can also sing with your children at home. The pictures with the songs ensure that toddlers and young children quickly know which song it is and it is a nice memory for seniors.
How much does it cost and where can parents register?
Parents pay €45.00 for the five lessons on 5 consecutive Wednesday mornings (with coffee/tea/ranja and something tasty afterwards) and including all the songs.
You can register via: This email address is being protected from spambots. For display Javascript has to be activated.
Photo Jose van Schijndel
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