Intergenerational Music at GCS

At Gentog Community Services, music isn’t just an activity it’s a lifeline. It’s connection. It’s memory. It’s dignity.

It’s one of the most powerful tools we have for bringing people together across generations, across abilities, and across the challenges of dementia.

Every day at Gentog, we see music unlock something beautiful in our participants. It brings a spark, a smile, a moment of recognition, a sense of belonging. Whether someone is three years old, ninety-three years old, or anywhere in between, music reaches them exactly where they are.

Why Music Matters in Dementia Care

For people living with dementia (PLWD), music can be grounding, comforting, and incredibly meaningful. Both research and our daily lived experience shows that music can:

Reduce anxiety and agitation
Spark memories that feel otherwise out of reach
Support emotional expression
Build connection between PLWD & their caregivers
Bring joy and laughter back into the moment
Strengthen relationships between generations

Music gives families and care partners a shared language again, even when words start to slip away. That’s why we’re committed to weaving music into everything we do and not just as entertainment, but as a therapeutic, relationship-centered experience that brings dignity, joy, and magic to our community.

Creating Safe, Welcoming Musical Spaces

A huge part of our mission at GCS is creating safe, supportive, dementia-friendly environments where PLWD and their families can experience joy together. Music makes that possible.

Our intergenerational music programs give everyone a place to:

Feel welcomed and understood
Participate without pressure
Experience fun and creativity
Build new memories
Celebrate strengths rather than limitations
Connect through rhythm, movement, and song

Whether someone wants to sing along, tap their foot, dance, hum quietly, or simply listen, there is always room for them here at GCS.

A Growing Musical Movement

Our vision is to expand intergenerational music opportunities throughout our community. We aim to offer more concerts, more workshops, more shared experiences, and more safe spaces where PLWD and their families can feel supported and uplifted.

Music isn’t just something we do. It’s part of who we are. It’s woven into the heart of Gentog Community Services. It's helping us build a kinder, more connected, more joyful world for people of all ages and abilities.

We can’t wait to share the next song, the next smile, and the next memory with you!

Music Events That Bring Our Community Together

We are so proud of the music events we’ve already shared with our community under Gentog Community Services — and we’re just getting started!

Some of our favorite moments so far include:

Our unforgettable concert with the legendary Norman Sylvester
Norman brought soul, blues, and pure joy into our space. PLWD, children, caregivers, and families were all dancing, clapping, and smiling together. It was everything intergenerational music is meant to be.

Live performances with local musicians and friends
We’ve been honored to host musicians who share their gift with our families — creating meaningful, warm, and inclusive experiences for everyone present.

And we’re thrilled for our upcoming concerts and musical events.

Click here for our event calendar!