Welcome to KeyAction Spring 99: Page 11

“Lights Of Love”
(continued from page 10)

“We have a lot of Alzheimer patients here and they respond to music in a positive way,” says Boucher. “We found that these patients, whose memories are otherwise limited, are able to recognize certain songs. They may not recognize your face or remember your name, but they can remember songs. Even patients with aphasia, the inability to understand or use words, begin to sing along with certain melodies.”

The Center’s old piano dated back to the 1930s, and after some research on new models, the Center opted for a Clavinova digital piano. Boucher contacted Heid Music, his local music store, who suggested the Clavinova primarily because of its durability, portability, and its ability to play pre-programmed music. An added benefit is the stunningly realistic sound and touch that accomplished players love - an important feature to the Center because the Clavinova digital piano could be used by visitors, residents, and even clergymen who need musical accompaniment for their hymns.

Duane Shaw of Heid Music worked with Boucher in researching the various Clavinova models and after choosing the CVP94, Shaw brought it to Villa Pines where he demonstrated it at the facility’s annual Christmas party. According to Shaw, “The residents were thrilled that they could record their performances and were amazed at how easy it was to play. They were excited with the guide control, where the notes in the piano roll scroll down the screen to show when to play a note, while guide lamps over the keyboard show you which note to play.” Shaw performed such Christmas classics as “Here Comes Santa Claus” and “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and according to Boucher, the seniors loved the show. In fact Shaw recorded what he played at the party and in the future the residents will be able to play back his concert any time they want.

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