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“Arts at the Grace”

“Arts at the Grace” is a program that provides patients with the opportunity to experience art and music through a variety of activities.  

“Arts at the Grace” provides a forum to:

  • Partner with artists who enjoy sharing their talent and enthusiasm for their art form with Grace patients.
  • Provide hope and inspiration through expanding social contacts and engaging in normal activity.
  • Include all patients regardless of their means, language, culture or physical/cognitive abilities.

Those patients wanting to participate in the arts are partnered with volunteers who have a background and/or keen interest in art.  Our volunteers work closely with patients on an array of projects, tailoring every activity to meet the individual’s skill level and desire.  Most popular are the handmade cards.  Not only are they creative and engaging but they also seem to empower the patients and their families.  They have “helped a son to ask his mother for a kiss, a daughter to show her father how much she loves him, and a mother to express her undying and unconditional love to her healing son,” according to one of our art volunteers.

For those who are musically inclined, volunteers are equally as eager to share their talents and abilities.  Our first musical event was held in 2003 and was enthusiastically received by patients, family members and staff.  Two talented musicians, a jazz singer and pianist, got the concert series off to a great start.  Since that time we have been organizing a range of concerts and performances on a regular basis.  As with our art program, our musicians will often adapt performances and activities to include all patients regardless of their means, language, culture or physical/cognitive abilities.

At the core of these activities is encouraging engagement and participation in the creative experience.  Through an understanding of the unique needs of individuals, our artists often adapt performances and activities to make them accessible to the physical and cognitive capabilities of our patients.  Friends, family members and staff also enjoy the benefits of these programs and the unique connection artists bring by their presence in the Grace community.

By encouraging engagement and participation in the creative experience, we believe that these initiatives enrich the lives of our patients.  Friends, family members and staff also enjoy the benefits of these programs and the unique connection our art and music volunteers bring with their presence in the Grace community.

If you have a creative talent to share, can recommend an artist, or would like to learn more about how you could support this program, please contact the Volunteer Department for further information.

Toronto Grace Volunteers play an important role in the Music Program at the Toronto Grace. They share their Volunteer stories.

“IMPROMPT2 CREW” – Saturday Afternoon Music Program

In 2008, four talented students from our summer volunteer program formed a musical group called “Impromp2 Crew”. The focus of this group is creating musical sessions that are participatory and engage patients in singing along with the musicians.  In a short period of time, “Impromp2 Crew” has developed a very loyal following of patients, family members and staff.  Reading music is not a prerequisite.  Musicians participating in this group however should enjoy learning new songs, engaging patients and supporting a high level of energy and enthusiasm.  Musicians (except vocalists) must be able to read and play chords.  Group members will also be asked to assist with finding, updating, printing and photocopying new songs for the sessions.

“MUSIC WITH LYNN”

Music with Lynn started at the end of 2014 when Lynn joined the Grace volunteer team.  From her previous experiences in managing music programs at other hospitals and seniors’ homes, she was interested in offering music to patients and families at the Grace.  At the time, the Grace already had a long-standing and much loved music program called “Impromp2Crew”.  Wishing to build on its success and to offer more music to the patients, their families and visitors, and the staff at the Grace, the Volunteer Coordinator brainstormed new ideas with Lynn.  Lynn’s musical genre is mainly classical music.

“MUSIC MATINEE
This is a unit-based music program.  We are recruiting pianists, guitarists or vocalists to provide an informal music session on our patient care units. They can either work from a song book that has been developed, or be creative with the music offered for this program.  Although the program is geared towards our complex continuing care patients, their family, visitors and staff also benefit from and enjoy the opportunity for live music on the unit.

Specific Needs

Opportunities for Musicians:

Toronto Grace Health Centre is currently recruiting musicians to share the gift of music and participate in a unique and special program for patients.  Our current need is for the following:

  • Pianist
  • Vocalist
  • Violinist
  • Guitarist
  • Percussion

Though experienced musicians are preferred, individuals who have a competent comfort level and experience performing are welcome to apply. Currently, a bi-weekly commitment is required on Saturday afternoons and weekly in our patient care music program.  Times may vary during the year.  Additional time may be required for group practices.

Applicants will be invited to an audition as part of the interview process in order to ensure a good fit with the other musicians and interaction with patients.

Concert Series – host a music concert at the Grace

You can also host a Grace concert or assist with the coordination of the concert series.

For further information, please contact:

Volunteer Resources Department

volunteer@torontograce.org or 416.925.2251 ext. 256

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