Last year the Rotary Club of Port Fairy donated a new piano to Moyneyana House. The piano was handed over on 20 December by President Sue Robertson at a concert for Moyneyana residents held to mark the occasion.
Moyneyana House Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator Oriel Glennon recently returned to address the Club and report back on the use of the piano and the role of music in the lives of the Moyneyana residents.
Oriel spoke about her work at Moyne Health over the past 11 years where she has been responsible for the music program for Moyneyana and Belfast House residents. She job shares with Robbie Lee and they each do three days per week. They are extremely appreciative of the piano donated by Rotary as their old piano was no longer able to be tuned.
The Music program at Moyneyana is the best attended program at the venue. A church community from Koroit also visits once a week for the music.
Music is an important part of life for the residents. Many of the residents have dementia, however they can be 100% engaged during the music sessions. They remember the lyrics and the music can bring back memories and emotions, particularly related to their favourite songs.
Oriel also visits them in their room and plays their favourite songs.
Oriel Glennon hits the right note