Klarinet Archive - Posting 000235.txt from 1999/09

From: LeliaLoban@-----.com
Subj: [kl] 52 year old 'beginner'
Date: Wed, 8 Sep 1999 11:59:11 -0400

On Mon, 6 Sep 1999 18:56:59 -0400 "Bruce Keplinger"
<bruce@-----.com> writes:
> OK, this is by no means something I would want to embark on
>tomorrow (too busy...), but the ideas of teaching in retirement homes
intrigues me...>

I think this is a great idea. Might look into whether Leisure World already
offers a music program that might provide a blueprint for programs elsewhere.
I'm pretty sure the Leisure World in Laguna Hills, California has a chamber
orchestra. My in-laws live there and enjoy a number of excellent
recreational and educational programs. My mother-in-law, Mary Lee, began
taking ceramics classes at Leisure World more than a decade ago. Several
people from Leisure World art classes have ended up as professional artists.

Mary, now in her late 70s, began translating her wry and sometimes wacky
sense of humor into one- of-a-kind clay sculptures. Previously, she had
never thrown a pot in her life or done any other artwork. Between kids, then
college, then a full-time job, she'd never had time to find out that she had
talent until she and Barney moved to the retirement colony. She still
refuses to market her work, although she's given away enough of it as gifts
and attracted enough attention just at Leisure World's in-house art shows
that she's getting some recognition in spite of herself. Forgive me if I
brag about one of my favorite people: A New York Times article recently
featured the work of several Leisure World artists, including Mary's. She's
had offers from galleries. A music teacher might inspire similar surprises.

>From what you've written, Bruce, I think you already know this, but anyone
else thinking of working with senior citizens should understand that there's
nothing a healthy, active senior hates worse than to suspect that the
residence provides an activity in order to keep the old folks off the street.
The people who live in places like Leisure World also take up martial arts
and other sports that would enable them to cheerfully rip a teacher's lungs
out for expressing a hint of such a patronizing thought. Seniors, like
anybody else, will want to take music lessons in order to learn music, not in
order to "keep busy."

Best of luck with this plan. I hope you follow through.

Lelia

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