The residents’ music plays

The only music heard in the hallways or dining rooms came from an activities radio or CD player. Few residents had an interest in music except for the country music channel, and I seldom heard music coming from their rooms. But most residents did enjoy any music related to the activities of the day, from hymns to country.

During my first weekend at this new facility, I realized how important music is to some of the residents here. Some have their own music and their collections are diverse, including everything from easy listening to rap. Though I do not care for rap, my sister was pleased to hear younger people's music.

Over the weeks rolling around the hallways I saw one male resident playing the guitar. His CDs range from the Beatles and the Righteous Brothers to an occasional Barbra Streisand.

Another male resident carries his CD player and CDs around with him. It is clear that to him, CDs are his most valuable and irreplaceable possessions, and he often plays a selection of his favorites from his room. Some are 30 years old and many are also my favorites, such as the Carpenters, which I seldom hear anymore. I have no idea what this man did in his previous work life, but he seems to fancy himself as a disc jockey. I can see him as a teenager with his ear glued to a transistor radio.

A couple of residents carry portable radios with their music playing loudly as they walk the halls.

There is no doubt that these residents feel music makes their lives better. When I look into their otherwise Spartan rooms, I wonder if they brought the music with them when they first came, or if a family member or friend made sure they had their familiar tunes available. I also wonder what they do when a favorite CD breaks or wears out.

Listening to the other resident's music reminded me that I consciously left mine behind. I considered bringing my CDs, but I did not think I had the space. As a purist collector I have the jewel cases and inserts for my small collection. But since I have to have others help me play them, it is harder for me to make sure they are not damaged. I do have my iPod nano but I have not charged the battery. I never was able to put all of the songs on it that I wanted due to the limitations of my hard drive. But an iPod would be the way to have and store an extensive music collection.

For several years I have listened to my favorite music on YouTube. I like to go there and have mini concerts of my favorite selections. However, the facility's WiFi was not fast enough to consistently allow me to use YouTube. I now have a wireless Internet service, which has taken care of that problem.

As I am writing this, tunes are playing from the “disk jockey’s” room a few doors up the hall. Today he is playing Elvis Presley. Yesterday it was Ray Charles and Air Supply.

Music is very important to some. Music takes us to a different place and allows us to cope with the things that occur in our lives. I know when I hear a familiar song playing, I usually can remember what was going on in my life when I first heard it.