Carroll Raaum

Director Emeritus 

Remembering Carroll Raaum: 1926 – 2008

 

As a semi-retired clinical-research psychologist, my interest in conducting a Swing Orchestra extends beyond the usual entertainment, dance or jazz styles.

My interest tends more toward the healing power of music–on an individual up to a cultural level.

We hope you may find both fulfillment and fun at our performances.

Carroll Raaum

Music Therapy

One of Carroll Raaum’s interests was to use music to bring enjoyment and healing to various clinical groups, such as Alzheimers patients.

Music therapy is the prescribed use of music and musical interventions in order to restore, maintain, and improve emotional, physical, physiological, and spiritual health and well-being. Within this definition are the key elements which define interventions as music therapy.

LINKS

American Music Therapy Association

Music Therapy Info Link

 

 

Quotes from American Music Therapy Association Web Site:

“When we look at the body of evidence that the arts contribute to our society, it’s absolutely astounding. Music Therapists are breaking down the walls of silence and affliction of autism, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.”

“Simply put, music can heal people.”

“Music helps all types of people to remain forever young.”

“Before I had surgery, they told me I could never walk again. But when I sat and listened to music, I forgot all about the pain,” said Goldma”

“Almost all children respond to music. Music is an open-sesame, and if you can use it carefully and appropriately, you can reach into that child’s potential for development.”

“(Music therapy) can make the difference between withdrawal and awareness, between isolation and interaction, between chronic pain and comfort — between demoralization and dignity.”