Music Director Matt Scinto and CCCO musicians have worked closely with the Alzheimer’s Family Support Center (AFSC) since 2019, leading music appreciation and conducting classes for individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses. The Musical Souvenir’s for Memory Loss program offered by the CCCO meets monthly at the Dennis Senior Center from September through May. This free program features a different musician from the orchestra for an hour of conversation, music, and movement.

We have found the classes to be inspiring and a relief for caregivers, as those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's disease are so caught up in the moment of conversation, singing, or listening, that you hardly realize they have a cognitive issue at all. One caregiver noted after a recent session that she had never seen her father more alert and engaged and has used classical music in the home as a technique to reduce symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease.

This program is funded by a generous grant from the Bilezikian Family Foundation.