Seniors Capture Memories with Melodies

Tuesdays at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, seniors of several generations reminisce about their lives with a program called "Melodies and Memories."  This arts and music program is a fun and exciting way for seniors to engage with each other. 

"Through music, writing and art, they can tell their stories and they are unbelievable," said Joanna Ferraro-Levy, director of Arts Education for the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center.  She said seniors are not just having a good time, but are also becoming enriched.  "They learn how to sign with a conductor," she said.  "They're not just singing . . . It's learning how to."

On the theater's stage, approximately 30 seniors rehearse chorus music and then break into groups for acting, writing and creative art lessons.  The purpose of the exercises is to generate stories from memories, Ferraro-Levy said.  "Creativity is chocolate for the brain and the elders are the keepers of the culture," she added.

"They're turning their stories into dramatic dialogues," said Julienne Penza, the theater's managing director of Arts Education.  She said she loves working with seniors.  "The joy that I get is indescribable," she said.  "They're so open and receptive and willing to try anything.  They're fearless.  They have such a wealth of life experience to draw from." 

Town of Southampton Senior Services buses seniors from the senior centers to the performing arts center.  "We partnered with the Town of Southampton because it's important for them to be able to come here," Ferraro-Levy said.

Seniors seem to love the program.  "It's very enriching," said Oscar Ritter of East Quogue after singing in the chorus.  "For me, it's the first time on an actual stage."

On December 9, the "Memories and Melodies" program will culminate with a live performance at the theater.  For more information, call the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center at (631) 288-1500.