As in a previous post, I described playing today at one of our bigger nursing homes.

An observation I neglected.

This nursing home I played for employs about about a half dozen young lady's that are students of mine during the school year...ages 15 - 19....super girls.

I think they really enjoyed hearing me play and sing...because they know and like me as a teacher.

However, did they relate to my music?

No, I don't think they did...but they could appreciate how my music related to the very seniors they care for. So, from that standpoint, they appreciated my music.

Another thought.

There seems to be so much emphasis on producing arrangers to make them contemporary to the younger generation. Note PA 4X vs 2.0 update.

Why?

Most of the younger generation I know seem to me to want to produce their own music with traditional instruments to produce their own sound....just like we did in the 60's.

Thoughts?

before I reply what was your song list for this gig...?
and all instrumentals you say?

Donny, Re-read my post

"Played for about an hour and a half....90% instrumental."

http://www.synthzone.com/forum/ubbthread...lks_#Post433640

ok sorry you did sing some songs,....but I was asking about the set lists?

I was playing for a picnic of senior citizens.

My students during the year are 19 yrs or less. Hardly one of them recognizes "In The Mood" from WWII. But the folks they care for...the age of their great grandparents...well they do recognize that song.

My arrangers(all of them) have worked well for my parents and my(I'm 68)students great grand parents generation.

Keep in mind that song is 78 years old. Why would you expect those children would respond to, or recognize it?

Long before I retired I stopped playing songs older than 1950s stuff. These were the songs that were were popular when the residents were in their teens and mid 20s. From some of your recent posts, it appears as if you are playing songs from when they were born. You may want to reassess your play list.

Additionally, I found those audiences preferred vocals over instrumentals by a wide margin. Not only does this help in the songs recognition, but additionally it makes it easier for them to sing along.

Food for thought,

Gary

I’ve biased my playlist for the longest with tunes from the 20’s through the 50’s, because that’s what I grew up with and what I like to play. For the most part, my patrons seem to enjoy them, as well. The older standards go over with the folks in retirement homes. Such songs fit dining situations, with the volume pulled back. However, I’ve found a new interest in moving the playlist almost exclusively to the 60’s through the 80’s. Those songs seem to be getting a new respect when played and everyone seems to like them. I’ve got no problem with that. But, I still like a good Gershwin tune.

Although I am not playing in nursing homes at the moment, I did so for 9 years. I have to agree with Gary-I wouldn't do anything older than 50s at this point. The people in these facilities are as young as their fifties so you can do the math. If you are playing mostly instrumentals, you would be able to get away with some older stuff but as he mentioned vocals really are preferable if possible.

Hmmmm....The younger generation is using software & synths & pads. I personally don't use a hefty % of the styles on the KORG PA4X because they are irrelevant to what I want to do. But right up maybe your alley. The "lack" of contemporary music on the PA4X was really the only reason I would dump it...They seem to be addressing it for a broader audience.

For gosh sakes if my freaking $4000 keyboard has POLKA which I will never use & no Hip Hop that is plain archaic.

KUDOS to KORG for putting styles that maybe you won't use but others will...I will never use a Ballroom, yet that darn thing sits on my $4000 keyboard...I say we need more diversity in the Arrangers.....Way more.....I want options and don't do LATIN

I want to play Contemporary music but don't want to use software.....As do many, many people...

Bold move by Korg and makes sense....Especially to all the posters in the "will the Arranger go the way of the Dodo Bird threads".....

I'll bet you will really enjoy the Korg update because it seems to bring lots of new sounds, styles and controls to suit more modern needs!