What is the Ensemble-in-Residence program and how did it come to be?
Providing an Ensemble-in-Residence program to adult day, memory care, and assisted living communities at Winter Growth, a care provider in Columbia, Maryland, the Iris Music Project is a 501c3 nonprofit that translates the concept of an Ensemble-in-Residence common to university and art institutions to health care communities.
This project was created to enhance emotional wellness, social engagement, and cognitive stimulation for older adults and adults with disabilities, including those living with dementia, through interactive music-making. The two musicians serving in residence at Winter Growth are Nicole Boguslaw and MaryAnn Perkel, both tenured members of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra.
The Ensemble-in-Residence program invites participants to actively engage in lyric writing, open rehearsals, and collaborative performances. These elements foster a renewed sense of purpose, self-expression, and connection with peers, caregivers, and the broader community.
The project’s message is one of inclusion, empowerment, and joy. Through music, we create meaningful experiences that transcend memory loss and physical limitations, reinforcing each individual’s value and ability to contribute. The process is deeply personal, with professional musicians adapting sessions to the interests and abilities of participants, ensuring accessibility and engagement at all levels.
By integrating creative expression into daily care, the Iris Music Project enriches lives, demonstrating that aging and disability do not diminish a person’s capacity for meaningful interaction, artistic contribution, and joy. The Ensemble-in-Residence program will conclude with a community concert in June (details forthcoming).
What inspired Winter Growth to include art in dementia care?
Dementia can be isolating, but we have witnessed how interactive, person-centered programs—especially those incorporating music, movement, and social interaction—help individuals remain engaged and connected. By focusing on strengths rather than limitations, we empower participants to continue experiencing meaningful moments. Winter Growth’s commitment to this approach has reinforced the idea that aging, even with memory loss, does not mean losing the ability to create, connect, or find joy in everyday life.
How has including art in dementia care evolved over time?
At Winter Growth, we’ve learned that music, movement, and engagement can transcend memory loss, reducing anxiety and sparking joy. This understanding drives our commitment to innovative, evidence-based programs that honor each person’s abilities rather than focusing on limitations.
Through our adult day, memory care, and assisted living programs, we prioritize cognitive stimulation, physical activity, and social interaction. Collaborations like this one show that aging and memory loss don’t diminish a person’s capacity for creativity and fulfillment. This work has deepened our approach to caregiving and broadened our view of aging, underscoring the importance of purpose and engagement at every stage of life.
How has the Ensemble-in-Residence program been received?
Caregivers have expressed appreciation for the program’s positive impact, noting that their loved ones appear more engaged and content after participating.
By prioritizing person-centered, evidence-based engagement, we ensure that individuals with dementia are receiving care and actively participating in experiences that bring joy and purpose. Caregiver feedback reinforces the importance of these programs, driving our continued commitment to enhancing quality of life through creativity and connection.
Find more from Winter Growth on its website, Facebook, and Instagram and from the Iris Music Project on its website, Facebook, and YouTube.
