AMID visitor restrictions and lockdowns at retirement communities across the country, one Aveo Cleveland resident is bringing a bit of music back into the lives of his friends and neighbours.
Malcolm Brooks is raising spirits under the tough circumstances by entertaining residents with renditions of their favourite songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s.
People would come out on their balconies or stand at a safe distance to listen to Mr Brooks' weekly performances, as the retirement community limits visitors and closes community facilities to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- Read more: VIDEO: Two music teachers and a retired customs inspector release coronavirus tune 'Everyone's a Hero'
- Read more: COVID-19: Cleveland's Bay Breeze Cafe customers pay it forward to homeless during coronavirus pandemic
- Read more: Redlands council, Centre for Women and Co. and Red Rose Foundation to hold digital candle lighting vigil for domestic, family violence victims
The tenor saxophonist has been performing at nursing homes and retirement villages for about 18 months and said residents, even those with failing memories, responded positively to the music.
"I try to always play the sorts of music that they recognise," he said.
Johnny Mathis, Nat King Cole and the Bee Gees were crowd favourites, and tunes like Frank Sinatra's Moonlight in Vermont, Strangers on the Shore, You'll Never Walk Alone and A Whiter Shade of Pale were also popular choices.
"People know them, and that's the secret, especially in the nursing homes when there's a fair few dementia patients," Mr Brooks said.
"Some of (the dementia patients) are quite severe and it's absolutely amazing how the music brings them to life."
Mr Brooks said he had taken up the saxophone in his retirement about three years ago.
"Tenor saxophone is a little bit unusual for a solo performance but it goes down really well," he said.
"On YouTube there's quite a few videos, there's a guy who's doing what I do in a high rise apartment in Italy, something to brighten up the days of the people in lockdown."
