MUSICIANS young and old joined forces to make music in a special event at the Priory Centre in York, writes Nick Duquemin.

Students from Millthorpe School, in South Bank, entertained more than 50 care home residents in a concert – and the older people accompanied the school’s jazz band with percussion instruments.

Residents and carers danced to rock and jazz songs, and worked with students in interactive music workshops.

Staff at the school organised the event alongside Fiona Chapman, of Musical Connections, which works with older people in seven care homes across York.

Their aim was to break down barriers between care home residents and the wider community – and challenge stereotypes on both sides.

Ms Chapman said: “There are a lot of negative stereotypes, both about teenagers and about older people. The purpose of this opportunity is to bring them together, and it’s lovely to have the schoolkids here. Music is a great leveller. Everyone relaxes and interacts much more when we have music to help it along.”

The event is part of a programme organised by Musical Connections, which brings together older people and musicians from all areas of the community.

Tom Smith, 13, a Year 9 pupil at Millthorpe School, played the keyboard during the jazz band’s performance.

He said: “We’ve done a lot of practising ahead, and we hope it paid off. We didn’t know what to expect, but the older people really got into it.”

Norma Harris, 77, a resident of Woolnough House care home in Tang Hall, was one of the guests at the show, and spent part of the afternoon accompanying the band.

She said: “I love to hear them all. They’re only young people, and yet they can come out with that sound.”

Special guests included Coun David Horton, the Lord Mayor of York, and the Lady Mayoress. Coun Horton said: “The more you get youngsters mixing with older members of society the better. They get to do something for the older people, and also realise what it’s like when you do get past retirement age.”