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About Melodies in Mind
What is Melodies in Mind and where are you located?
Based in Central Florida, we are a singing group created especially for persons with dementia and their care partners, our duos, who are supported by volunteer singers.
Is Melodies in Mind a non-profit organization?
Yes, Melodies in Mind Inc is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Is Melodies in Mind a music therapy program?
No, while singing with us may be ‘therapeutic’, it’s not music therapy.
Music therapy is the clinical and evidence based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. Medical professionals aren't present during rehearsals.
Music Skills
Do I need music skills to participate?
No. If you have prior music group experience, vocal or instrumental, this program is excellent, but if you don't have it and can sing in tune, you will fit right into our welcoming community of people with dementia and their care partners.
Do I need to audition?
No. The only requirement is your willingness to practice a bit, and that you’re ready to have fun singing with others!
Do I need memorize the songs?
Nope. We are confident that you will be very familiar with our repertoire. Our music sheets are customized to ensure that lyrics are easily readable.
What kind of supporting material will I receive?
Our music binders are created to enable every member of the chorus to fully enjoy the rehearsals.
The Rehearsals
How frequent and how long are the rehearsals?
The seasons include 10 weekly rehearsals on Wednesdays morning and a concert. Each session last 1:30 hour, and includes a socializing break with refreshments. During the rehearsal itself, we’ll also take some ‘stretch’ breaks. (Bathrooms are always available.)
Who is present during the rehearsals?
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The singers with dementia, who we call our Key Singers, and their caregivers, who we hope will be singing too, but will stay in the room in any case
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Chorus Partners, who are volunteer singers from other singing groups in the area, lend their voices to the chorus, assist the participants with dementia with musical issues like page turning, find the place in the song, or just exchange smiles
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The music director
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The accompanist
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A few Melodies in Mind volunteers who will help with setup, refreshments, etc.
What if I make a mistake during rehearsals and performances?
Then welcome to the club! Actually, we don’t think of them as mistakes: they're opportunities for improvement!
Do I need to stay standing during rehearsals and performances?
No, we stay seated during the rehearsals.
What if I need to leave early or miss a rehearsal completely?
Although we hope that you will be present during the whole program, we know that life happens. If on any given day you can't come or feel that you need to leave early, that's okay! If all you can do one day is hum along or listen, that's okay, too.
Chorus Partners, our volunteer singers
Why are Chorus Partners essential to Melodies in Mind?
Experience has shown that a chorus for people with dementia is most effective when there is an equal mix of dementia singers, their caregivers, and Chorus Partners, our volunteer singers.
How many Chorus Partners do you need?
The number of Partners needed depends on the number of dementia singers registered for a season. (We’ll keep a standby list if there’s an imbalance.)
I've never interacted with someone with dementia before. Will I receive any training or support?
Yes! We provide all volunteer singers with training before the first rehearsal to help you feel comfortable and confident, and you will learn some simple, effective ways to connect with our singers.
Am I going to be paired with the same singer each week?
We endeavor to do so. This consistency helps build trust, understanding, and a warm connection between you both.
How long is the season and how often does the chorus rehearse?
We have a spring season and a fall season, each lasting 10 weeks. We rehearse weekly on Wednesdays from 9:30 am to 11 am.
What if I have to miss a rehearsal?
Although we hope you will be with us in all rehearsals, emergencies do happen. If you are unable to participate in a given week, please let us know as soon as possible.
About Money
Is there a fee to participate in Melodies in Mind?
Yes, there is a participation that partially covers our program expenses. If the fee presents a hardship, please let us know.
Melodies in Mind is an all-volunteer organization and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
I want to support this program. How can I make a donation?
We appreciate your support. Just click here to go to the donation page. If you would rather use a different method to donate, please contact us.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes, we are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.