The Texas Tech flute studio partners with the Carillon Life Center to create a mutually-beneficial program for college students and local seniors.
MUSICAL PARTNERSHIP TO CONNECT THE YOUNG AND OLD
The Texas Tech University Flute Choir, directed by Lisa Garner Santa, Professor of Flute in Texas Tech's School of Music, has created a partnership program with the Carillon Life Center entitled "Music and You." Students work directly with Carillon Life Center residents to explore the relationship between performer and audience, develop knowledge of musical programming for specific populations, and learn about successful implementation of logistics behind musical productions. The audience of Carillon residents provide inspiration for the chosen musical programming, and Texas Tech Flute Choir students create and produce concerts specifically for Carillon residents.
It is common knowledge that medical research supports positive correlations between music and the aging mind, as well as the positive impact of integrating aging populations with younger ones. The mutually reciprocal partnership between Texas Tech and Carillon will corroborate existing medical research, thus supporting student learning while enhancing the lives of those at the Carillon. This may potentially lead to insights that could open future research avenues.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
Two significant research objectives include a publication of the qualitative findings of the project and the publication of the arranged music (written for the TTU Flute Choir and dedicated to Carillon Life Center residents), making it available to any flute choir in the community.
It is anticipated that the community will experience both physical and mental health benefits from the social element of musical concerts, as well as neurological benefits from listening to music through experiences that are personal and memorable. Connecting across generations in meaningful ways will give Carillon residents a platform to share their life experiences while providing enhanced perspective to students of Texas Tech.
On January 28, 2019, the Texas Tech Flute Studio hosted a cake social at the Carillon following an evening dinner. Students interviewed residents about how music has enriched or articulated periods of their lives, and then created new arrangements and compositions for the flute choir based on information provided by the Carillon residents.