I just saw your Young at Heart with my sons, who are at the other end of the spectrum, age-wise (ages 12 and 16), though similar in spirit to your singing friends. They, too, are influenced by these same songs and also come "alive" on the stage. (Check out their own songs on their web site on myspace.com/goldencarr, if you feel so inclined.) I've always been amazed at how therapeutic the actual act of singing can be to all of us, but as a therapist (I work with teens mostly)your work has got me thinking about how I can manage to exploit that into some sort of program for the troubled teens I see ("exploit" in a strictly positive way, here). Many of the songs you've chosen for the seniors to sing seem to have a dual meaning, as you said in an interview. As in, were they written for old people to sing? Yet I'm wondering if they were written for young people with acute and/or chronic mental illnesses to sing, as well. So so interesting to me.
Anyway, you're an inspiration to me, as well as that beautiful COOL COOL group of people in the chorus you directed. Thanks. Liz Golden, Philly
Bob,
I just saw your Young at Heart with my sons, who are at the other end of the spectrum, age-wise (ages 12 and 16), though similar in spirit to your singing friends. They, too, are influenced by these same songs and also come "alive" on the stage. (Check out their own songs on their web site on myspace.com/goldencarr, if you feel so inclined.) I've always been amazed at how therapeutic the actual act of singing can be to all of us, but as a therapist (I work with teens mostly)your work has got me thinking about how I can manage to exploit that into some sort of program for the troubled teens I see ("exploit" in a strictly positive way, here). Many of the songs you've chosen for the seniors to sing seem to have a dual meaning, as you said in an interview. As in, were they written for old people to sing? Yet I'm wondering if they were written for young people with acute and/or chronic mental illnesses to sing, as well. So so interesting to me.
Anyway, you're an inspiration to me, as well as that beautiful COOL COOL group of people in the chorus you directed. Thanks. Liz Golden, Philly