Community Chat

[ECBG]

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@Sooner wrote:

@ECBG I love when Bing and David Bowie sing Peace on Earth as a duet!!!!

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@Sooner 

ABSOLUTELY!!!!

[violann]

Just to amplify a bit on my passionate zest, I perform with a community band that does free concerts every three or so weeks in retirement centers, assisted livings, pretty much any place that wants some live music.

Our season was ruined with the lockdown, but we ultimately decided to practice outside for as long as we could, and played some 5 or six concerts in August and September.

At the beginning of September we learned that we'd likely lose our whole Christmas season, and our band director came up with the nifty notion to start playing "Christmas In October" concerts, we will be doing the last one of 6 of those since early September.

The audience are masked, socially distanced, and seated far away from us. Wheel chairs, walkers, and some on folding chairs or chairs brought outside from dining areas are all faced forward so that no one is breathing on anyone else.

The band is socially distanced so that we really don't sound as good as when we're massed, but we try hard to make up for it in spirit. Only rarely do we play a concert when we don't see someone "dancing" in a walker when we play "Jingle Bell Rock", or singing along to the familiar carols that end the show.

We always get huge rounds of applause, and sometimes a thank you note from a recreation specialist on staff. One recent note said it was the happiest day the residents had experienced in the  6 1/2 months since the lockdowns. She mentioned her residents moving back to their rooms while caroling through the halls, telling their bed bound companions about the wonderful performance they'd just seen.

Reading the note made me tear up.

"Christmas In October"? Bring It.

[Ruby Laine]

@violann, what an uplifting post!  Thank you and your band for doing this.  

I start listening to Christmas music in early November during my walks, but I also walk to it occasionally throughout the year. 

[Oznell]

That's the spirit, @violann --  love to see that, wherever and whenever it occurs!   Your group is doing great, great work.

[Calcgirl]

The only store I go to is for groceries.  I wish they did play Christmas music because it might get my attebtion off of trying to breath with a mask on.

[zanna]

I'm playing it at my house.  It makes me hopeful and happy.  

[Spurt]

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@qualitygal wrote:

No, but I'd welcome it to the horrible sounds (I don't call it music) we have to shop with.  I sometimes get out as quickly as I can to avoid their noise!!!

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@qualitygal 

I know what you mean, we have a young Manager at one of our groceries stores and he used to play HEAVY METAL MUSIC.. I always came out of their with  headache... Per cashier so many customers complained that he was FINALLY forced to switch to Top 40 Hits....(THANK YOU!)....

[PreKteacher]

I haven't heard Christmas music in any stores yet, but I'm sure it will start next week. I love most Christmas music, but I feel like the few songs I really can't stand are the ones they constantly play in the stores (sorry, Paul McCartney, but "A Wonderful Christmas Time" is so bad I would rather listen to an 8 year-old playing the recorder)! 

[Reever]

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@Still Raining wrote:

Have not entered any store at all since mid March.  They couldn't tempt me any kind of music.  

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Havent left the house except for doctor appointments since March.

[lovesrecess]

I have only been in the grocery store and pharmacy since March a couple of times...no music at all that I remember, it maybe I was too focused on keeping my mask on and staying away from people to notice!