• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
United Active Living

United Active Living

United Active Living Communities for independent living

  • Home
  • Care Options
    • Independent living
    • Assisted living
    • Memory Care
    • Alzheimer’s
    • Integrated living
  • Communities
    • Garrison Green
    • Fish Creek West
    • Fish Creek North
  • About Us
    • Our Values
    • Partnerships
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Book a tour
  • 403-873-3953
  • 587-841-5134

Music: A Reflection of our Times

April 18, 2019
Mount Royal Conservatory director Brad Mahon
Mount Royal Conservatory director Brad Mahon

Music has a big impact on our lives. Not only are songs memorable, but they often carry a social message. “Music has always been a vehicle for reflecting political or social issues of the day. Medieval songs – even nursery rhymes – were often used to express a political or social point of view,” said Brad Mahon, director of the Mount Royal Conservatory.

Mount Royal University is one of United’s cultural and educational partners. As part of that partnership, professors and musicians regularly visit United’s two communities, often providing residents with thought-provoking and interesting subjects to discuss. Brad recently visited United’s Garrison Green community to talk about music as a reflection of social consciousness.

 

Blues legend Charley Patton
Blues legend Charley Patton

Brad used the guitar to help explain that while the guitar existed in classical times, much of the music wasn’t written for it. Jump to the 20th century and the emergence of Delta blues and musicians such as Charley Patton and Robert Johnson. “Patton was the first true rock star,” said Brad. “He was a real showman, throwing his guitar into the air, playing between his legs. These early songs acted as historical records. Often, as with his song High Water Everywhere, recorded in 1929, these were the only records of major events and how people were affected. This song recorded the flood of the Mississippi River in 1927. It was a strong message about an important social event, not just a love song about teenage angst.”

Brad told residents about Big Bill Broonzy, a blues and folk artist of the 1920s, who used music to protest social injustices and race inequality.

“Such early singers later influenced folk singers Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger.” Brad played This Land Is Your Land on the guitar, and encouraged the residents to sing along.

“In the case of Dylan and others, music supported the message,” said Brad. “Music was seen mostly as entertainment, but more often it was used to say something the writer thought was important. More importantly, the music and the message combined to evoke an emotional reaction in the listener.”

Jimi Hendrix in 1969
Jimi Hendrix in 1969

Brad noted that when Bob Dylan used an electric guitar for the first time in concert, fans weren’t pleased. And when Jose Feliciano rearranged the Star Spangled Banner at the opening of a baseball game in 1968, some fans wanted him deported. When Jimi Hendrix did the same thing at Woodstock in 1969, it was considered a turning point in music.

“Playing these songs for the residents brought out the emotional reaction they were intended to produce when they were first played in the 60s,” said Brad. “While some didn’t like it, I think many of them got the message that music – and the emotion it brings out – affects us all. Whether it’s a political message by Green Day, a hummable tune by Frank Sinatra, or a Beethoven symphony, they all elicit emotional reactions, and that’s the message I was conveying to the residents.”

Do you know a friend or family member who could benefit from living in a United community? Send them a link to our website or blog, or arrange a tour. We are happy to help! 

To learn more about life at United’s Garrison Green, watch this short video.

 

Want more great articles like these sent straight to your inbox?

Sign up for a newsletter.

Footer

logo
(403) 873-3953
Book a tour
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • Instagram
  • youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • Our Services
    • Independent living
    • Assisted living
    • Memory Care
  • Our Difference
    • United Minds
    • Commitment to Wellness
    • Integrated living
  • Health & Wellness
    • Wellness Services
    • Hospitality Services
    • Services & Amenities
  • Programs & Events
    • Partnerships
    • Education Programs
    • Arts & Culture Programs
  • About Us
    • FAQ
    • The Transition to Senior Living
  • Reaching us
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
Garrison Green (Integrated Living) 3028 Don Ethell Boulevard SW
Calgary, Alberta
T3E 0C9
 
Rentals and Leasing: (403) 917-1389 Concierge: (403) 685-7200 Fax: (403) 240-3772
Fish Creek North (Memory Care + Assisted) 51 Providence Boulevard SE
Calgary, Alberta
T2X 0X2
 
Rentals and Leasing: (587) 841-5134 Concierge: (587) 481 7907 Fax: (403) 873-3961
Fish Creek West (Independent Living) 14720 1 St SE
Calgary, Alberta
T2X 2A3
 
Rentals and Leasing: (587) 609-8167 Concierge: (587) 481 7907 Fax: (403) 873-3961

Copyright © 2023 United Active Living Website Licensed by Tastic Marketing | Marketing by Digital SeniorityTerms of ServicePrivacy Policy

Unique Assisted Living at United's Garrison Green - Calgary, AB