A few of the Tuesday night gang get together every couple of weeks and play some music for folks at a few of the seniors’ residences and such. I try to join them when I can, although it’s a bit of a trip it seems easily worth it. Of course we’re trying to play songs that people might know, which makes for a really interesting range to pull from. And it’s always neat to hear people’s suggestions and requests, because there’s often one song someone asks for that is such a good idea that you just have to go and learn it. Over the years some of my favourite songs to play have come to me that way, usually something I wouldn’t have thought of on my own.
Meanwhile I’ve made it a point to arrive at these sessions with some silly song that’s popped into my head. Anything’s fair game as long as I can recall all the words. So you never know what might happen. One night it was Edelweiss. Why not, made a whole bunch of people smile. Today on my way in I realised I know all the words to I’ve Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts. Why that would be I haven’t got a clue. But there was nothing for it but to have at it. And so we did. Apparently a good time was had by all.
I’ve played for so many different groups of people that I’ve developed a reasonable ear for what kind of pace a roomful of singers want to sing at. It’s funny, I don’t think of it until I hear someone else stumble over things. I think it’s especially hard for piano players, who often have their back to the singers, their face in the keys, and can barely hear the voices for all that noise. Guitar is a breeze in comparison. And it got even easier when I realised I didn’t have to play every chord and hammer out every beat. Also that it actually wasn’t my job to lead the singers, more to figure out where they’re headed and make sure I meet up with them there. Sure there will likely be missteps along the way, but by and large folks know how they want to sing something, my job is to hear it.
My other job is to be present for everyone there. To look them in the eye when we chat, to actually hear whatever it is they have to say. A bit of normal human interaction. No big deal. And yet somehow the most beautiful thing in the world. Hey it’s nothing in comparison to the hours and hours that caring professionals put into generating some kind of quality of life for folks. But it is nice to be able to help in some small way.
And apparently I can sometimes make someone smile. And sometimes that is the coolest feeling in the world.
Thanks.