Most Enjoyable THD Activity- Music Enrichment with Claire Baffico

The above is one of the most enjoyable activity here at THD that I have attended. It was  at 3PM yesterday's afternoon in Our Lobby- Music Enrichment by Claire Baffico.  Claire is a certified music therapist💚. She uses tailored musical interventions to support well-being, targeting cognitive, emotional, physical and social goals.  She plays the guitar and the violin and she sings as well. I told Ted (Activity), we want her back soon. 

In this session we had group singing ( sing-along) as well as rhythm instructions with either a maracas or bell. Her selections of the sing along-songs were excellent. One song that touched my heart was Moon River. It reminded me of my happy 63 years of Marriage. Moon River is one of Macrine's (RIP) favorite song.

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2020/12/celebration-of-life-macrine-j-katague_16.html  

Here's Claire Biography from her Website:💚 https://www.mountdiablomusictherapy.com/home

" I am a board-certified music therapist, and received a Master of Arts degree in Music Therapy from the University of the Pacific. Additionally, I hold a Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance from New York University and have been playing violin since the age of four. From a young age, my mother, an occupational therapist, played a significant role in nurturing my musical development. After her passing, I experienced firsthand the profound healing power of music, a realization that set me on the trajectory towards a career in music therapy.

I started Mount Diablo Music Therapy as a way to share my passion for music with others and empower people of all ages and abilities to harness the therapeutic effects of music. I currently specialize in providing music therapy to clients experiencing mental health challenges, aging adults, individuals in Alzheimer’s and dementia care, and children with developmental disabilities.

Outside of music therapy, I serve as concertmaster and board member for the Community Women’s Orchestra based in Oakland, CA. I can also be found gigging at local bars with the orchestral prog-rock band My Evergreen Soul, showcasing the musical versatility that violin offers".

What is Music therapy? 

Music Therapy is the clinical & evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program. Music therapy interventions can address a variety of healthcare & educational goals:

• Promote Wellness
• Manage Stress
• Alleviate Pain
• Express Feelings
• Enhance Memory
• Improve Communication
• Promote Physical Rehabilitation
• This THD Activity Program was very timely. A few hours before I attended, I was reading that...

  The above activity also reminded of my previous article on the heath benefits of singing:

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2024/05/ten-health-benefits-of-singing-more.html  

Lastly, here's a short video of Ditas visiting Carenna in Paris this week:

A visit with Carenna #paris #parisinspringDitas Katague  · FollowingReels  · 18 Mar  · 1111

The Healing Power of Song and Music

The Healing Power of Song: How Singing Has Enriched My Life from College to THD

There is something magical about singing, something deeper than melody, harmony, or pitch. Long before I ever read studies about antibodies, immune boosts, or stress reduction, I felt what singing could do. And looking back now, singing has been a quiet but constant thread woven through every stage of my life.

College Years: My First Stage

My love affair with singing truly began in my college years, when I joined the choir. I was young, eager, curious, and full of energy. Singing with a group felt electrifying, there is nothing like the vibration of dozens of voices coming together with one purpose. The camaraderie, the discipline of rehearsals, and the joy of performing opened a part of my heart I didn’t know existed.

Married Life: Harmony in Faith and Love

Years later, singing took on a new meaning. During my married life, I sang in our church choir alongside Macrine (RIP), my late spouse for over 63 years. Our Sundays were sacred. It wasn’t just music.  it was worship, community, and partnership.

Standing next to her, lifting our voices in the same hymns, remains one of my most treasured memories. Choir practice became our mid-week bonding, a reminder that even amidst work, parenting, and responsibilities, we still had a shared song to carry us through.

Learning the Craft: Six Months of Voice Lessons

Top Photo: Macrine and My Voice Recital :  Bottom Photo: Sunset and the Landscaping of our House Backyard with the Pinole Hills at the background

At one point, I even took six months of formal voice lessons. As a beginner, I learned breathing techniques, vocal placement, posture, and confidence. And yes, the nerves and excitement of singing at my teacher’s recital! I wasn’t aiming to become a professional; I simply wanted to grow. Those lessons gave me courage, structure, and appreciation for the vocal instrument we all carry. In this recital, I was first to sing because I was the most inexperience student. I asked my vocal teacher, why I was first in the program.  She told me because, I was the best. The statement immediate erased my stage bright, and I sang my two songs with Gusto and Bravado.  I will never forget the memories of my first public singing experience.    

Today at THD: Karaoke, Community, and Pure Joy

Now here in THD, singing continues to be one of my greatest joys. Whether it’s a karaoke night, a sing-along gathering, or simply humming a familiar tune in my room, music keeps me energized and connected.

There’s something beautiful about a group of seniors grabbing a microphone and belting out old favorites. We may laugh at missed notes or forgotten lyrics, but the joy is real and shared.

The Science Is Catching Up to What We Already Know

Interestingly, modern research shows what many lifelong singers feel intuitively: music is medicine.

Studies suggest that singing can:

• Boost immune function, including increasing levels of certain protective antibodies like SIgA

• Reduce cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone

• Improve lung function and breath control

• Strengthen memory and mental sharpness

• Enhance social connection, combating loneliness and isolation

• Lift mood through endorphins and dopamine release

In other words, singing doesn’t just feel good, it is good for you and your immune system.

Why Singing Matters at Every Age

Singing is a gift you can enjoy whether you’re 9 or 91. You don’t need perfect pitch or formal training. You don’t even need a microphone, just the willingness to let your voice rise.

For me, singing has been:

• A source of friendships

• A form of worship

• A stress reliever

• A memory-keeper

• A way to stay connected to Macrine

• A joyful part of my daily life here at THD

Every time I sing a song from my past, I am transported, to college halls, to church pews, to a recital stage, to evenings at home.

A Life Lived in Song

As I reflect on my musical journey, I am grateful. Singing has carried me through decades. It has comforted me in loss, uplifted me in celebration, and kept my spirit young.

So if you ever wonder whether singing is worth doing, whether you're in a choir, a church, or a karaoke room, my answer is simple:

Yes. Sing. Sing loudly. Sing often. Let your heart lead the melody.

Because singing doesn’t just fill the room, it fills the soul and the heart.

Meanwhile, here's the AI Overview on Singing: 

Music heals by positively impacting the brain and body through neurological and biochemical processes, affecting physical, emotional, and cognitive health. It can lower stress by reducing cortisol and releasing dopamine, improve pain perception, and stimulate memory and motor skills. Music therapy is used in clinical settings to address conditions like stroke, Parkinson's, and anxiety by harnessing these effects. 

Emotional and cognitive healing

• Reduces stress and anxiety: 

  Upbeat music can release dopamine, while relaxing music lowers cortisol (the stress hormone), which in turn lowers heart rate and blood pressure. 
• Processes emotions: 

  Music provides an outlet for expression and can help individuals process difficult emotions, with even sad music having a cathartic effect. 
• Boosts memory and cognitive function: 

  Songs connected to memories can activate the brain's pleasure center, and learning to play music can enhance cognitive skills, learning, and motor control. 
• Improves mood: 

  Music can increase dopamine, the "feel-good" chemical, and is used to improve mood and provide a sense of empowerment. 

Physical healing

• Aids pain relief: 

  Music therapy can decrease pain perception, reduce the need for pain medication, and improve quality of life for those with chronic or acute pain. 
• Supports recovery: 

  It can aid in post-stroke recovery, help with symptoms in neurological disorders like Parkinson's, and has been shown to reduce seizures in some children with epilepsy. 
• Calms the body: 

  Music can lower heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. 
• Reduces side effects of medical treatment: 

  Listening to music can reduce anxiety and nausea associated with treatments like chemotherapy. 

How music therapy works

• Receptive therapy: Listening to carefully selected music to guide mood or promote relaxation. 
• Active therapy: Creating music through singing, drumming, or playing instruments to engage with and heal the brain. 
• Neurologic music therapy: Specialized techniques used in hospitals and rehabilitation centers to help patients recover from brain injuries and neurological disorders by building new neural pathways

Lastly, I enjoyed very much the concert presented by our local singing group

"Stay at Tone Moms", Thursday Afternoon at 2:30PM

Their Silent Night Sing-Along Repertoire was the hit of the Afternoon Performance. They were here last year, but their repertoire this year was more beautiful and unforgettable.   Kudos to Vanessa, Our New Activity Manager. Photos of the group after their performance taken by Vanessa will be posted as soon as I receive it .    

 

Celebration of Life of Macrine J Katague via Her Favorite Music(Piano)-Part 1

As promised and scheduled today I am posting Part 1 of the series, Celebration of Life, Macrine J. Katague through her favorite music pieces. Previously, I posted a 4-part series on Macrine's Celebration of Life through Photographs and Videos. 

In this series, I am celebrating Macrine's  well-lived life via her favorite music pieces( piano, violin, orchestral, instrumental, vocal or choral arrangements and six other categories).

In this Part 1- it is Chopin Etude Op #10, No 3, popularly known as No Other Love. There are several You-Tube presentations, but here are 2 interpretations  Andre Rieu:

Piano and Violin Interpretations and below orchestral arrangement
 

No other love can warm my heart
Now that I've known the comfort of your arms
No other love.
Oh the sweet contentment that I find with you every time
Every time.
No other lips could want you more
For I was born to glory in your kiss.
Forever yours
I was blessed with love to love you
Til the stars burn out above you
Til the moon is but a silver shell
No other love, let no other love
Know the wonder of your spell

 

And Here's James Last Interpretation-Enjoy
 

Here's Rachmaninoff Rhapsody-also One of Macrine's Favorite

 

 

Meanwhile, while searching in You Tube for the above lyrics, I found this piece so beautiful and inspiring. I hope I am not infringing on DJ Lava- Best Music Relax copyrights! Enjoy!! 

Piano music reminds me of the healing power of music to our mental health

https://davidbkatague.blogspot.com/search?q=healing+power+of+music

The Healing Power of Music for Our Mental Health

The power of music for our mental health and for uplifting our spirits( souls) are well documented(A). For example when my wife (Macrine) and I feel depressed or lonely we play our favorite songs. In the case of my wife, she would play her favorite Julio Iglesias Sr songs.

(https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin-notas/5719517/julio-iglesias-turns-70-celebrate-with-some-of-his-best-loved)

In my case I listened to my favorite piano or violin concertos(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXYtJB7Qslk).

Our favorite music are either vocal, instrumental or choral music.

Just recently Macrine first cousin in the Philippines ( Rene Nieva) tagged me in Facebook with his piano playing of Some Enchanting Evening from South Pacific. He wrote that this piece has lifted Macrine's feeling of being lonely because of her Parkinson Disease.

Here's a short reprint from Rene Nieva FB page.

"I recall one time when we -- Yong, Oskie, Genny and I -- visited Manong Dave and Manang Macrine in their beautiful Chateau du Mer Resort in Marinduque some years back. Manang Macrine was not feeling well at the time and was quiet at first. But when we serenaded her with "Some Enchanted Evening", which happened to be a favorite of hers, she perked up and ended up singing along with us. We were so happy to hear her doing so that we were on the verge of tears. Such was the power of music to drive suffering and loneliness away, and would always be so ".

(A) https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/brick-brick/201402/does-music-have-healing-powers

Heal with Humming and Take It Further with Singing

Did you know your voice holds incredible healing power? Humming is more than just a soothing sound. Scientific studies reveal that humming can increase nitric oxide levels in your body by up to 1400 percent. Nitric oxide is essential for improving blood flow, enhancing oxygen absorption, and supporting overall cardiovascular health.

Beyond its physical benefits, humming has a profound effect on the nervous system. The vibrations created while humming help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes deep relaxation, reduces stress, and eases anxiety.

Incorporating a few minutes of humming into your daily routine can lead to improved mood, better sleep, and a calmer mind. Whether you hum a favourite tune or simply create a steady hum, your body responds with a natural boost that supports both mental and physical wellness.

Humming is a simple, free, and scientifically-backed method to reduce tension, enhance focus, and uplift your energy. Try humming today and experience the transformative effects for yourself. Your voice is not just a means of communication, it is a tool for healing and restoring balance.

Meanwhile, here's my own personal reflection on The Healing Power of Humming — and How Singing Takes It Even Further

In my younger days, I sang in the choir and even took basic voice lessons. Those experiences taught me not only about harmony and rhythm, but also about the pure joy that comes from using one’s own voice. Recently, I came across a fascinating bit of science suggesting that something as simple as humming can actually help heal the body.

According to recent studies, humming boosts nitric oxide production in the nasal passages by as much as 1400%. Nitric oxide plays an important role in dilating blood vessels, improving oxygen flow, and even supporting the immune system. It also has a calming effect on the nervous system—something I think many of us could use in our fast-paced, worry-filled world.

When you hum, the vibration resonates through your chest, throat, and face, stimulating the vagus nerve—one of the body’s main channels for relaxation. That may explain why humming can ease anxiety and help us feel more centered.

But then I wondered: if humming is that beneficial, what about singing?

From my own experience, singing feels like an emotional release—a way of lifting the spirit while connecting breath, body, and mind. Singing, especially when done with deep breathing and proper technique, expands lung capacity, strengthens the diaphragm, and promotes better circulation. It also releases endorphins and oxytocin, the body’s “feel-good” hormones, creating a sense of happiness and belonging.

In that sense, singing might be considered enhanced humming. The same vibrations that hums produce also occur when we sing, but with greater variety in pitch, rhythm, and emotion. Singing in a choir, as I once did, added another dimension—community. Harmonizing with others seemed to multiply the joy, and perhaps, the healing as well.

So, whether you hum softly to yourself during quiet moments or sing aloud to your favorite tune, remember that your voice is more than just sound—it’s medicine.

Much like my weekly full-body massages, which have become a cherished part of my wellness routine, humming and singing remind me that healing doesn’t always come from outside interventions. Sometimes, it comes from within—from the soothing rhythm of breath, the vibration of the voice, and the simple act of being present in our own bodies.

If you’d like to give it a try, start with just a few minutes of humming each day. Notice how it feels in your chest, your head, and your breath. Or sing along to a favorite song that lifts your mood. Whether in harmony or solitude, your voice can be a gentle, natural path to inner peace and healing.

Finally here's the AI Overview on this Topic:

"Heal with Humming and Take it Further with Singing" is the title of 

a guided meditation by sound therapist Kimba Arem, developed as part of the CD Self-Healing with Sound and Music, co-authored with Dr. Andrew Weil. The track guides listeners to use their own voice for healing. 

How humming and singing promote healing

Humming and singing use vocal vibrations to stimulate the body's natural relaxation response. 

Nervous system regulation

• Vagus nerve activation: The vagus nerve is a major nerve that connects the brain to the body's organs and plays a key role in the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls "rest and digest" functions. The vocal cord vibrations from humming or singing stimulate this nerve.
• Reduced stress: By activating the vagus nerve, these vocal techniques help lower the stress hormone cortisol, decrease heart rate, and reduce blood pressure.
• Increased nitric oxide: Humming has been shown to increase the production of nitric oxide in the nasal passages by up to 15 times compared to quiet breathing. Nitric oxide is a molecule that relaxes blood vessels, leading to better blood flow and improved oxygenation throughout the body. 

Emotional and mental benefits

• Enhanced mood: Both humming and singing can trigger the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural mood-enhancing chemicals. This can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
• Increased mindfulness: Focusing on your breath and the physical vibrations of the sound encourages a meditative and mindful state.
• Vocal warm-up: Humming is a standard practice for singers to warm up their vocal cords and prepare for singing. 

Taking it further with singing

While humming provides foundational healing effects, singing takes the practice to a deeper level.

• More profound vibration: Singing allows for a greater range of vocal tones, which creates more diverse and powerful internal vibrations throughout the body.
• Emotional release: Singing can be a more expressive and powerful outlet for releasing emotions than humming.
• Community and connection: Singing in a group, such as a choir, adds the emotional and psychological benefits of community and belonging. 

Arem and Weil's Self-Healing with Sound and Music

This album, and the specific track mentioned, features two parts: 

• Session 1: Dr. Weil discusses the medical research supporting the healing power of sound, while Arem provides instruction on breathing and vocalization techniques.
• Session 2: This is a guided "sound journey" track with layered sounds and frequencies. It incorporates instrumentation from didjeridoo, Native American and Celtic flutes, and Tibetan and crystal bowls, along with Arem's voice. 
• Personal: THD Karaoke Singing organized by Ted Treat is one of the activities 
• I enjoyed very much. With Ted gone the last couple of days( rumors circulated he was
•  terminated involuntary or quit because he found another good paying job with benefits).
•  If the first rumor indicating he was terminated without the 2 weeks notice is  true,
•  this action does not speak well  of THD management. Ted was well-like by everybody
•  here at THD. He was the one who introduce me to AI assisting me on my daily blogging.
•  If you are a THD resident  and have been positively touched by Ted, I am planning to
•  write a blog on him. I would appreciate if you can say a word or two about Ted and
•  how it affects your life here in THD positively.
• 
  
• UPDATE: I talked to Barbara and Jenny this morning. The official word is 
• that Ted is sick.I hope he comes back. Ted the residents love you!