Angeline Wee – a seasoned percussionist usually found teaching in mainstream schools (such as the Drumstrong programme in Band Academy) – saw herself in a different playing field when she began working with seniors at Active Aging Centres. The opportunity arose through a call from her colleague. Seeking to expand her skills and face new challenges, Angeline took the chance. Her interest in working with older adults stemmed from conversations with her mother-in-law, who worked with dementia patients. These conversations planted the seed for what has now become a rewarding journey.
For Angeline, the main goal of her programs is simple: the seniors should feel happy and valued. Every session aims towards achieving this goal, so that the participants enjoy themselves and are rewarded with a sense of achievement. A particularly heartwarming sight for Angeline is watching seniors help one another during her programs. These acts of camaraderie show her she is doing more than teaching percussion—they also help to build a strong community.
Like any endeavour, working with seniors comes with challenges, but Angeline stays focused on her primary objective — making her seniors happy. Before she started conducting these programmes, she was warned to expect a slower rate of participation, or even a larger number of no-shows. She quickly found these concerns to be unfounded, however, once she got the seniors to start making music. Their performance and attendance have been impressive, often matching that of younger adults.
When asked for tips on how to tailor programmes for seniors, Angeline believes the best insights come from direct interaction. In every class, she observes her audience carefully and tailors her approach accordingly.
What keeps Angeline going is the transformation she sees in her participants. Watching them go from tentative beginners to confident performers, and seeing the smiles that follow each session, is very fulfilling for her. This transformation fuels her passion and dedication to continue bringing music and joy into the lives of the seniors at Active Aging Centres.
To keep her programs fresh and effective, Angeline upskills herself through sessions organised by NICA (National Instructors & Coaches Association). These sessions are designed to equip instructors with the necessary skills and facilities, and help instructors conduct quality and safe programmes for seniors in Active Ageing Centres.
NICA is looking to work with experienced and passionate instructors like Angeline. With our roadmap of courses designed to equip instructors with the necessary skills and facilities, NICA helps instructors conduct quality and safe programs for seniors in Active Ageing Centres. Our hope is to inspire more success stories like Angeline's and make a positive impact on the lives of seniors.
Alternatively, if you represent an Active Aging Centre and are keen to find out how NICA instructors like Angeline can enrich your programmes, we will be very happy to get in touch with you to explore the possibilities.
To get in touch, please email us at nicaseniorgrog@ntuc.org.sg.
