A new kind of music class

BY Ruth Brock

Recently, Tuesday has become my favourite day of the week and here’s why. My darling daughter, Katie, has started an intergenerational music class at the West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre. “Sing Along with Katie” is a fun activity that my beloved husband, John, who is in care at Amica Lion’s Gate, and I can do together.

On Tuesdays at 10:30 am the Driving Miss Daisy van pulls up in front of the Seniors’ Centre and out rolls John. We enter the class as Katie greets the families with babies, toddlers and chatty preschoolers in tow. Big smiles all around. A few curious seniors peek in to see what it’s all about. Some decide to stay. The class is free for seniors.

What comes next is a varied programme of songs that delight both young and old. With her guitar, Katie sings and leads us

Through

simple action songs, call and response songs, and circle dances. Somehow, she makes the music accessible to everyone.

My husband smiles, a twinkle in his eye. As he claps, he taps his toes. I feel a connection with him, so deep that it needs no words.

During class a magical conga line erupts as we dance around the room. Another time, a little girl brings helium balloons for the seniors, which touches our hearts.

I love Tuesdays because I get to watch my daughter do what she does best: bring

Further, we are working hard on our annual budget, recognizing what appears to be a difficult financial year ahead of us.

That said, I am happy to announce that we have managed to secure several positions in Metro which will allow us to represent the District of West Vancouver, as we are now able to closely collaborate for our community’s benefit in areas such as planning, finance, parks, waste, and water.

Again, thank you all for your continued support of our community and what it has to offer. I am excited to see what we can accomplish this year and the years to follow.

Mark Sager Mayor of West Vancouver

Sincerely, people together through music. Every person, young and old, feels welcomed and leaves with a smile. If you are caring for someone elderly and looking for free fun, bring them along for a truly connective and meaningful time together.

Ruth resides in Gleneagles a few doors away from her daughter, local children’s musician Katie Brock.