From March to July 2019, with support from Tan Chin Tuan Foundation, the Esplanade is bringing angklung lessons to four nursing home and Senior Activity Centres across the island.
Originating from Indonesia, the angklung is a traditional instrument made of varying number of bamboo tubes attached to a bamboo frame. Taught by lively instructors from Sri Warisan, the seniors tried their hand at learning and playing familiar tunes such as “Que Sera Sera”, “Rasa Sayang” and “月亮代表我的心 (The Moon Represents My Heart)”. For the fourth and final session, ensembles of seniors from Care Corner Senior Activity Centre (WL569A) and Lions Befrienders (Tampines) Senior Activity Centre proudly staged a performance of at least 2-3 songs for friends and family members.
Playing musical instruments have been found to improve the cognitive ability for seniors as well as physical and emotional wellbeing by encouraging coordinated movement and connecting with fellow players. Many seniors who participated echoed sentiments that learning to play the angklung is a fun and easy process, and would definitely want to participate again in the future.
“I don’t think it is difficult to learn the angklung at all! It is a simple instrument – we just need to shake our angklung at the right time.” – A senior from Care Corner Senior Activity Centre (WL569A).
“I think this workshop is very meaningful as it teaches us about teamwork. It is only when everyone works together, then we can play good music.” – A senior from Lions Befrienders (Tampines) Senior Activity Centre.