Mavis Mark may not be able to tell you what day it is, but on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, she is present—her foot tapping, grooving, and singing along to live music in the Long-Term Care lounge at Xaayda Gwaii Ngaaysdll Naay Hospital. It’s time for Musical Awakenings.
This program, part of the Haida Gwaii Arts Council’s performing arts offerings, fills an important gap for those who cannot attend concerts in person—the music comes to them.
Mavis, a Long-Term Care patient, has given permission to be mentioned in this article. For privacy reasons, the names of other residents are not shared. However, when the music begins, subtle changes are noticeable in the audience—facial muscles relax, and there is an overall shift toward a sense of well-being. As Daniel Levitin, author of “This Is Your Brain on Music”, quotes Francis Crick “Your brain on music is all about…, connections.”
Residents form connections to pieces of music that evoke emotional times in their lives, while musicians build connections with residents, their families, and staff.
The Haida Gwaii Arts Council was inspired by a concert series held in a hospital cafeteria in the Northwest for the enjoyment of patients, staff, and the community. This idea sparked the creation of HGAC’s Musical Awakenings. What began as a pilot project received generous funding from a Community Initiatives Project grant from Gwaii Trust and the HGAC operating grant, which supported the program from November 2023 to October 2024. Families of residents, staff, and musicians have witnessed the program’s many benefits and strongly hope it will continue.
The Long-Term Care lounge’s excellent acoustics are an added bonus for musicians, who express their gratitude for playing in front of such an appreciative audience. Beyond a paying gig, they form meaningful bonds with the residents.
“My experience is a joy we share,” says musician Wayne Harris. “It’s a moment that evokes the feelings we all have—of memories, place, and relationships. Sometimes residents remember words and sing along, dance, tap their hands in time, move their arms as if conducting an orchestra, or just sit and enjoy.”
Staff warmly welcome musicians, often commenting on how the music improves residents’ moods and enhances their quality of life. HGAC proudly administers the program in coordination with hospital staff.
A program like this depends on funding and the dedication of those willing to make it happen. While Gwaii Trust and private donors have provided generous support, additional funds are needed to ensure the program’s future.
This is where you come in.
Join us at our fundraiser at the Daajing Giids Hall on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. Jamie McDonald will prepare a delicious buffet-style dinner, served at 6 p.m. The Gwaii Singers, a South-end choir, will perform Christmas songs, followed by the lively swing band Fun Guise, bringing their energy and enthusiasm for a dance starting at 7 p.m.
With Wayne Harris on acoustic guitar, Charley Robertson on electric guitar, Roly Thompson on drums, James Hilgemann on bass, Marnie Younger on vocals, and Gordon Horner on saxophone and keyboard, the music will surely get you moving. Don’t miss a guest appearance by Laurie Husband on trumpet.
Beer and wine will be available at a cash bar. No minors, please.
E-transfers can be sent to [email protected] to reserve your dinner. Please let us know how many dinners you need and if there are any dietary restrictions by Nov. 30, 2024. Posters and social media posts include a QR code to confirm your attendance and dietary preferences. There are opportunities to turn this event into your company Christmas party; please contact Marnie Younger to discuss this further at [email protected].
This is the event of the season—an evening of great music, food, and dancing, all for a wonderful cause.
It’s all about forming lasting connections in our community, and we all need those.
Submitted by Astrid Egger