The orchestra group has been set up by the Bournemouth
University Dementia Institute (BUDI) in Dorset to create a sense of community
among participants and also includes professional musicians, carers and
students.
A screening of performances from the BUDI Orchestra will be
showcased at an event as part of the annual Economic and Social Research
Council’s (ESRC) Festival of Social Science.
The orchestra was initially set up in partnership with
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) with a repertoire ranging from Ravel’s
Bolero to Henry Mancini’s Moon River.
Rehearsals have demonstrated a positive effect on all
participants who have also learned new skills and rediscovered old ones.
“Music touches everyone in some way, either by listening or
playing – and the BUDI Orchestra has been a life-enhancing project which has
benefited everyone,” says Professor Anthea Innes, Head of BUDI.
“Performing and showcasing skills of those with dementia
creates a well-deserved opportunity for them to demonstrate their abilities and
to challenge the negative public perceptions that surround the diagnostic label
of ‘dementia’.
Working together to produce a collaborative output is a
powerful way to bring out the best in people - not just in terms of their
musical skills, but their communication skills, friendships, care and support
for one another.”
Around 850,000 people in the UK currently live with dementia,
a figure which is estimated to double by 2050. Dorset has one of the oldest
populations in England, so many people in the local community can relate to the
challenges caused by the condition.
The arts are being used increasingly to support health and
wellbeing, both in healthcare settings and in the community for people with
dementia and their families.
Research has already shown that arts activities, especially music, can reawaken and exercise the brain.
The BUDI Orchestra, funded by Dorset County Council, is one of
BUDI’s numerous ongoing creative projects to demonstrate that people with
dementia can have fun while learning.
A total of eight people with dementia and seven carers were
involved in a course of eight weekly two-hour sessions led by Andy Baker, a
former BSO community musician and double bass player. They were also supported
by two additional professional musicians, Bournemouth University students and
staff volunteers.
Previous workshops with the orchestra have identified that
most of the people with dementia learned a new skill and the sessions were
highly enjoyed by all who took part.
One of the participants was Jack, a professional bass player
who was forced by eye cancer and dementia to leave his bands. His wife also
joined BUDI and played the violin for the first time since school.
Both found that the orchestra helped overcome feelings of
loneliness, and Jack’s confidence returned as a result of being part of the
sessions.
The project has also highlighted that the musicians’ and
volunteers’ preconceptions of music learning were positively challenged as a
result of their experiences with the BUDI Orchestra.
Professor Innes and her research team have produced a guide in
collaboration with the professional musicians for those interested in setting
up their own community-based music group.
Dr Michelle Heward, also from BUDI, says: “Our creative
projects show that it is possible for people with dementia to take part, learn
something new and have fun, all at the same time.”
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