Memory Care @ 78rpm
Memory Care @ 78rpm is a “music is memory” program designed for elders, playing some of the best music ever recorded, enhancing memories while having fun.
Program Overview:
Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Glenn Miller and scores of other swinging big bands played off the original 78 rpm records on a vintage record player - the model used by high schools' A/V departments at the time. This player was designed for group listening and the fidelity of playback is impressive. Most of these songs are available on CD or from internet music streaming services, but there is something special listening to the original records played on an original record player. After all, this was the way the music was originally played and heard in homes, at dances and from jukeboxes.
Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Glenn Miller and scores of other swinging big bands played off the original 78 rpm records on a vintage record player - the model used by high schools' A/V departments at the time. This player was designed for group listening and the fidelity of playback is impressive. Most of these songs are available on CD or from internet music streaming services, but there is something special listening to the original records played on an original record player. After all, this was the way the music was originally played and heard in homes, at dances and from jukeboxes.
Many of the records are still in their original 4 or 8 disc albums, with interesting and stylish covers and pictures. During the program, records and albums are passed around for a closer inspection of liner notes, and pictures.
It’s fun to listen to these songs in a group, flip through the albums, and chat about the memories they elicit.
Photos taken at Sunrise Senior Living in Studio City, California by Bo Bennike
Program Genesis:
I have been fan of swing music since it was introduced to me in the late fifties, when I was twelve years old. My parents played the songs from that era constantly our new hi-fi console - when my older sister wasn’t playing her Elvis records. I soon discovered that all the tunes they played from their long-playing albums had originally been released as singles on 78 rpm records a decade or two before. My dad even had a few of these original records and our hi-fi still had a 78 rpm setting and needle. I was hooked, and was soon collecting my own 78s, a hobby that continues to this day.
I have been fan of swing music since it was introduced to me in the late fifties, when I was twelve years old. My parents played the songs from that era constantly our new hi-fi console - when my older sister wasn’t playing her Elvis records. I soon discovered that all the tunes they played from their long-playing albums had originally been released as singles on 78 rpm records a decade or two before. My dad even had a few of these original records and our hi-fi still had a 78 rpm setting and needle. I was hooked, and was soon collecting my own 78s, a hobby that continues to this day.
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Over forty years later, when my parents would come for a visit we often spent entire evenings listening to the records, chatting about the music, and playing ‘name that tune.’ It was so much fun watching them remembering and then telling stories about the songs: when they first heard them, or who they were with, or where they were. My mom would only have to hear the first few bars of her favorite song, Woodchopper's Ball by Woody Herman, and she was up dancing. It was especially lovely for her, as she had a fairly severe short-term memory problem, but had vivid memories from her past, and these sessions were joyous for her, and for my dad and me. |
This Audiotronics model 515VR record player was standard issue for schools in the forties and fifties.
It has two speakers that can be placed in the front and in the back of the room for easy listening for all.
Photos taken at Sunrise Senior Living in Studio City, California by Bo Bennike
Program Outline:
Selections are played from an extensive 78rpm record library, loosely around themes, such as bandleaders, singers, regions, or composers. Each song has a brief introduction and chatting between songs is encouraged and welcomed. The albums and other vintage memorabilia are passed around, including a large collection of original 8x10 movie star photographs from that era. Dancing is always an option.
Selections are played from an extensive 78rpm record library, loosely around themes, such as bandleaders, singers, regions, or composers. Each song has a brief introduction and chatting between songs is encouraged and welcomed. The albums and other vintage memorabilia are passed around, including a large collection of original 8x10 movie star photographs from that era. Dancing is always an option.
Program Example:
Click on the audio player below for a sample of the presentation. This one highlights the career and music of Benny Goodman.
Click on the audio player below for a sample of the presentation. This one highlights the career and music of Benny Goodman.
Songs in order played:
- Let's Dance - Goodman's theme song, - truncated
- Stompin' At The Savoy - early hit for the band (1935)
- In A Sentimental Mood - as background music
- Avalon - Quartet. Benny. Goodman, clar, Teddy Wilson, piano. Lionel. Hampton, vibraphone, and Gene Krupa, drums
- And The Angels Sing - feat. Ziggy Elman on trumpet, Martha Tilton vocal.
- Time On My Hands - Trio - Goodman, Wilson, Krupa
- Solo Flight - feat. Charlie Christian, guitar
- Roll 'Em - Arranged my Mary Lou Williams
- Have You Met Miss Jones? - Trio
- Sometimes I'm Happy - partial to demonstrate tight sax ensemble section playing
- What Don't You Do Right? - feat. Peggy Lee vocal
- Body and Soul - Trio
- Goodbye - Enough said.
Please email me for more information about this program.