Introducing our new music group volunteer, Fleur

Floriane Lallement (third from left at the back) has recently taken over the Music Group on a Wednesday.  Her first project with the group has been composing a song for the thought inspiring Climate Change event which took place last month at Drovers activity centre, entitled “Climate Change Blues”.  The songs are created by the group, for the group – there are lots of singers, so they incorporate lots of parts into the song.  Floraine, or Fleur, as she is known in the music industry, helps the group to create first the lyrics, then the melody and finally the chords which provide the harmony.

Fleur has an A-class background in music.  She started as a florist, but then went to study Sound Engineering, and then to a music conservatoire in France.  She is multi-talented and plays bass guitar, sings opera, jazz, and creates music scores for orchestras.  Studying for 35 hours a week at music school, she studied music theory, music production and how to be a director.  When she is not volunteering for Age UK Islington, Fleur runs her own music company and is currently launching her own music career.  This is in the “pop” arena.

Geoff, a member of the group takes part in music sessions whenever he can, and is a regular at the Wednesday music group.  “I started singing when I was 65+ and I’ve been doing it ever since.  For me it’s a new experience”, he says, “anything to do with music, I really enjoy”.

Why does Fleur volunteer with Age UK Islington? She has always got on with older people, but says “I no longer have any grandparents, and I miss the connection with older people.  We have so many things to learn from their experiences”.

Fleur tells me that the other song that the group have been working on, is called “What Shall We Do” which is a song that speaks to future generations.  The sentiment of this song, is to “what shall we do to make you believe you…you are looking at your phones and not where you’re going” – both literally when walking down the street, and also that they are missing out on life, and what it has to offer.  And its a shame because the older people would love to “try and make you laugh” and engage with you.

Are you a fan of music?

If you’re musically inclined, then why not call 020 7607 7701 / 020 7281 6018 to book for the next:

• Music Group, every Wednesday, 10.30 – 12noon, at Drovers Activity Centre. Help create and perform songs with Fleur.  If you play an instrument, feel free to bring it along.
• November Art Evening, Thursday 28th November, 5.30 – 7pm, at Drovers activity centre, when Age UK Islington’s creative music group will be performing their recently composed pieces and world music with instruments and harmonies.