The programme Memories to Music involves a partnership between local high schools and the Alzheimer Society Peel. A partnership that connects students and seniors and has them share history, life experiences, and stories; a partnership that takes those stories and puts them into the artistic form of a composition – vocal or instrumental. This song celebrates, reflects and preserves the person’s memories and in essence becomes a tribute or legacy of a person’s life.

The concept of this programme is for the student, to listen to the stories, experiences, and history of an individual with dementia over a period of weeks. They will then take the words and compose and record a song which becomes a legacy and a celebration or reflection of the individual with dementia’s life.

Jerry's Song

(Click image to view video)

I said “When you look at the star
Do they shine as bright as when you were young?”
You looked at me and said “It’s true,
Even the dead ones do”.

As a kid you would play
After school with your friends to forget
The pace of life and its demands
Until you said “Growing up isn’t half bad”

Chorus:
Oh, to look back and to know you did alright
To be so assured with your place in life
When there are problems with your world
Or its design
You can stomp them out
You’ve made up your mind

Taking trips to the beach
With your sister for a taste of family
That kindness that she shows
Was your childhood home

Now I see you where you stand
As a comedian and a family man
It’s so inspiring to my youthful ignorance
I wish you the best of what life has to give