A Good Age: Milton seniors create 'musical pharmacy' to lighten up, share happy memories

MILTON – It doesn't take much for Eleanor Ryan, 92, to burst into song.

"Miss Ellie" grew up with vaudeville in Boston's West End; her aunt Florence McGuire was a Ziegfeld Follies dancer; two uncles loved to sing at Nantasket Beach in Hull, at political events for Boston Mayor James Michael Curley, and during family holidays. She recalls all this fondly.

Last Wednesday, Ryan arrived early for the first class in a free new program, "Let's Make Music," at the Milton Senior Center. She took a seat in a large circle and watched as music therapist Rachel Davis, of Sing Explore Create in Rockland, set out small instruments. They included tambourines, hand drums, small bells and egg-shaped shakers.

"We all use music in different ways," Davis said as she began the session. "Music has an amazing power to alter our mood."

She compared the positive effects of singing, drumming, dancing and active listening to "a musical pharmacy" – each can transform feelings, alter pathways in the brain and give a sense of physical well-being.

As we move to music in our own fashion – swaying, toe tapping, finger snapping, exercise classes and Zumba –  "we find music has this cool power to give us a burst of adrenaline," she said.

To get acquainted, Davis asked what music meant to each of the 15 women there.

"The most joyous part of my younger life (growing up in Roslindale) was when my mother would play the piano and we all would gather around and sing," Ann C. Landers, 85, of Quincy, told the group.

Landers' mother, Mary, was a serious pianist, but with her family she used sheet music to play songs including  "Home on the Range," "Old MacDonald" and "Oh, My Darling Clementine."

"My favorite was 'Old MacDonald' because my brother and sister and I got to make the sounds of all the animals," Landers said.

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Davis, a board-certified music therapist with a degree from Appalachian State University, recently moved from Florida to Abington and has joined the staff at Sing Explore Create, a center for music therapy, education and wellness.

Founded by Nicole Craven, the center is in its 10th year and provides music therapy and wellness services for all ages, from newborns to end-of-life care.

As the seniors talked about their enjoyment of music, they mentioned show tunes, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Christian music, oldies, classical, country and western and '60s Motown. They happily described singing with a choir, in the car, in the shower.

"Our music comes in through the television and it's always on, it's always there for me," a woman said.

When Davis began strumming her guitar and singing "Sunny Side of the Street," "Miss Ellie" was soon singing along (her favorite song). For the next 45 minutes, Davis moved in small circles around the group, singing and handing out musical instruments.

"I definitely felt better after the class and I've signed up for all the others," Kris Hewes, 69, said afterward. "You could feel everybody's energy growing with the music. I felt lighter in my mind when I walked out."

Several others who take ukulele classes at the center joined in.

"The teacher was fabulous," Kathy Phillips, 72, said. And Miss Ellie said she "can't wait to go back."

Landers said she has high hopes.

"I loved it and I just hope we can develop into something musical, like our ukulele group," she said.

That was music to Davis' ears.

"One of my biggest goals is to foster a sense of community, of oneness and connection, through music," she said.

"Not only do I get to give the gift of music, but I receive so much from them. I love the way music can bring back memories for people and I love to see it bring back abilities. It can be a magical moment in the music room."

Sing Explore Create has two music therapists who work almost entirely with older adults. Natalie Condon, clinical director, said workshops have been held at other senior centers in Quincy, Canton, Brockton, Halifax and Bridgewater and at assisted living facilities, memory care centers and day programs.

"Lets Make Music" in Milton will meet at 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 12, 19 and 26 and Nov. 2 and 16.

People can go  to any or all sessions but are asked to register by calling 617-898-4893.

Davis also will present a workshop at 1 p.m. Wednesdayat the Kennedy Center in Quincy for the Quincy Council on Aging. Call 617-376-1506 to register.

Turning 90

Happy 90th birthday to Robert G. Jenkins, of Scituate, who turns 90 today and is the first person in his family to reach the milestone of becoming a nonagenarian, said his daughter Donna Jenkins Lennon, of New Hampshire.

"He was raised and lived in Scituate his whole life," Lennon said. Linda Hayes at the Scituate Council on Aging plans to mark the occasion.

Reach Sue Scheible at sscheible@patriotledger.com.

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This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Milton seniors return to most joyous days with a music therapist guide