A GROUP of Worcestershire musicians who play early music - composed before 1750 – are visiting care homes across the county to offer a tuneful interlude for elderly residents.

Members of Worcestershire Early Music have started a new project called Hear My Voice thanks to a Big Lottery Fund Awards for All grant.

Awards for All is a quick and easy way to get a small Lottery grant of between £300 and £10,000 for community groups and projects to improve health, education and the environment.

The musicians, led by retired head teacher and amateur musician from Worcester Barbara Dunn, include early music specialist Micaela Schmitz who plays harpsichord, clavichord and fortepiano; keyboard, accordion and recorder player Heather Wastie: and Bob Fox.

The musicians, using a combination of well-known tunes such as Greensleeves as well as popular and less well-known sea shanties and folk tunes, encourage residents to tap, sing, play percussion instruments and move with a band.

Micaela said: “The music ranges from the medieval era to the 18th century and it’s easy to see why these tunes were so popular in their time. They’re good tunes, often with humorous words.

“Using a flexible band in a circle that all participants can hold allows them to feel the pulse of the music. When they move the band they can feel the movement of others and therefore connection.

“The feeling of wellbeing from such connection allows music to link residents in a communal setting. This is particularly helpful in a setting where many residents have dementia, but is also effective in combating isolation, loneliness and frustration.”

Barbara added: “I know when my own parents were in care homes how much music uplifted them. Many residents have been dancers and musicians and, though many cannot take part as fully as we can, they still feel the massive impact. We are always excited to see the response by residents.”

The care homes benefiting from these musical sessions include the Hawthorns, Evesham; The Willows, Worcester; Northwick Grange Care Home, Worcester; St Stephen’s Care Home, Worcester; Dorset House Care Home, Droitwich; Haresbrook Park Home, Tenbury Wells; Regent Care Home, St John’s, Worcester; Brompton House Residential and Nursing Home, Broadway; Breme Residential Care Home, Bromsgrove; and retirement apartments Eastbank Court, Worcester.

In addition to this project Worcestershire Early Music runs the Worcester Early Music Festival from March 21-28 and for this receives financial assistance from the Elmley Foundation, the Eveson Trust and Worcestershire County Councillors.

• Worcestershire Early Music aims to promote the understanding and enjoyment of music composed before 1750, throughout Worcestershire and the West Midlands.

• Its audiences range from young people to senior citizens.

• The concerts and events showcase early music performed by both talented professional musicians and enthusiastic, skilled amateurs.

• The audience enjoys the more interactive approach where people have the opportunity to ask questions of the performers and the atmosphere at concerts is intimate and sociable.

• The outreach programmes get young people performing in ensembles, baroque orchestras and choirs in front of live audiences. Those with with adults also encourage them to participate as much as possible.

• The group is jointly run by professional musicians and local volunteers and is largely funded by sales of concert tickets, donations and charitable grants.

• The most popular event in the calendar is the Pride and Prejudice Ball in the beautiful surroundings of Worcester’s Guildhall, for which the participants dress in period costume.