Vol. 1 🎶
Notes from the Founder
Welcome to the first issue of “TUNE IN to Senior Music Connection”! I’m glad you’re here. I am excited to use this format to communicate with you in a succinct and informative way.
I want to be sure to include two things in my very first letter to you: 1) My sincere gratitude for each of you and 2) an overview of the many happenings since we opened.
As many of you might know, the dream of Senior Music Connection became a reality on May 26th of 2022 when the LLC was formed. With that, the mission began — to “enrich the lives of older adults by providing engaging and fulfilling musical experiences.” It thrills me to report that to date, Senior Music Connection has brought over 250 programs to our seniors!
Here are just a few ways we’ve been keeping busy:
- Providing interactive music programs at senior living facilities
- Booking entertainment for residents of senior living facilities
- Arranging musical performances for open houses and special events
- Leading music programs at senior centers
- Providing special theme-based programming
- Instructing music lessons at low-income senior housing
- Presenting educational programs at community service groups
- Bringing music activities to adults with developmental disabilities
These experiences have been made possible because each of you believes in the power of music and you have been supportive. For that, I am grateful. Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. Let’s stay in touch!
Best,
Krissy O’Malley
Musician Spotlight
Join us as we celebrate one of our partner musicians: Cigar Box Scott.
Cigar Box Scott’s unique take on roots music fuses traditional folk music with rock and blues inspired rhythms.
He creates original interpretations of old songs, performing new arrangements on electric cigar box guitar and his homemade amplified foot stomp box. His gigs cover a wide range of styles and songs, anywhere from from Appalachian folk sounds & Johnny Cash covers to the blues and onto the Rolling Stones, and much more!
In addition to performing as Cigar Box Scott, Scott Atkinson also plays steel guitar in the Dayton area folk trio, The Barnharts.
Scott has been playing solo and in bands for over 25 years. He plays bass, electric lap steel guitar, Dobro, bass, and mandolin. Scott’s solo gigs these days revolve around electric cigar box guitar and amplified foot stomp box for a strong rhythm. During a set he’ll also pull out electric lap steel or Dobro, banjo, and guitar.
We’re honored to bring his God-given talents to the senior community. Welcome to the team, Scott!
“Working with this company allows me the freedom to focus only on the performance and not the logistics. Payment is always prompt, Krissy is easy to work with and I feel she would always be there if problems arose. Great company.” – Buck
Grace Notes
This year, we had the privilege of bringing interactive music sessions to the members of the St. Mary’s Development Corporation. And all thanks go to a grant received to support the program!
We worked with each participant in practice for a final concert, which they enjoyed planning.
At each of their locations, a core group emerged, demonstrative of the fact that members enjoyed camaraderie and purpose. Our sessions were definitely found to be highly ranked on individuals’ priority lists!
One resident said, “This is better than Gunsmoke. “Another commented, “It’s nice to come down and talk about something other than diabetes.” We hope to continue our partnership with St. Mary’s Development Corporation in the future.
TUNE IN — to what's next!
Wondering what’s coming up? We’ve got you covered.
Here are just a few upcoming events:
- [08.15] Active vendor at National Night Out, hosted by Asbury Apartments, Dayton
- [08.16] Owner + founder, Krissy O’Malley, has recently become certified as a drum fit instructor and will be leading an introductory class for Silver Sneakers at the Miami County YMCA
- [09.09] Catch us in action at the Troy Porchfest where a few select seniors we serve will join us to play at the Troy Hayner Cultural Center at 1pm (301 W Main St, Troy, Ohio 45373). Special thanks to H&R Block for sponsoring us in this event