Working within the care sector is one of the areas in music that Callum finds so rewarding. He has been entertaining residents in care homes and hospitals since he was 11 years old and has travelled all over Scotland and England. Over the years musical tastes have changed as people get older but the main thing is that Callum takes them back to their youth and what they liked in their day. Callum always trys to arrive early to get the chance to have a chat with some of the residents and it's always good to hear about there many stories from past and present day.
Concerts generally last 45 minutes to an hour and are full of lots of good songs and sing along material and a wee story or two thrown in for a good laugh along the way.
Performing during Covid-19
Although it is not possible to perform inside various care homes, Callum can perform outside on nice days while observing the current social distance rules and sanitizing requirements set out by local government. Having an outside concert can be fun and it still allows music performances to take place to promote health and well-being. Callum has performed at a few outside concerts and they have been well received by residents and staff.
GlenHelen Bank Care Home Luncarty
Callum also works for Music in Hospitals & Care Scotland, a registered charity who's aim is to improve the quality of life for people of all ages in care through the provision of professional live music. Concerts take place in hospitals, hospices, care homes, day centres and special needs schools, bringing the benefits of live music to people who need it most.
Customer Feedback
Four Hills Nursing Glasgow
The performer communicated well with the audience. The songs suited the residents well.The atmosphere was very good. It was a nice change to have someone new and the residents thoroughly enjoyed it and would like him back again.
Erskine Home Edinburugh
The concert was a great succes to which we had 34 residents which is a very good turnout. Those who could dance, did so. The residents were alert throughout which does not always happen. They said that the selection of songs was great. The performer had a great personality, The felt relaxed & happy.The residents were smiling into the evening !
Scottish War Blinded members were treated to a concert of popular, country and traditional songs at the Linburn Centre.The concert was performed by guitarist and singer Callum Wallace in partnership with Poppy Scotland and Music in Hospitals.
Callum elaborates:
“I work through Music for Hospitals, which is a great organisation, who send artists like myself to perform concerts all over the country including the islands. Music is great for health and well-being, it’s amazing how positively it can impact on people and that’s the reason I am here today.”
Members enjoyed the opportunity to clap, tap their feet and sing along to a wide repertoire of songs including ‘The Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen’, ‘Country Roads’, ‘It’s a Beautiful Day’ and ‘Sweet Caroline’.
An impromptu duet took place during the concert between Callum and Scottish War Blinded member Peggy Dunlop, pictured right. On several occasions Peggy took centre stage by singing lead vocal for songs ‘Danny Boy’, ‘Wee Dock and Doris’ and ‘When Irish Eyes are Smiling’.
Peggy, pictured above, said:
“It’s been a wonderful afternoon, I have really enjoyed myself singing along to so many songs. I love singing and used to sing in the Army, at Christmas as well as at dances. I thoroughly enjoyed performing with Callum.”
It is hoped Callum will return for future concerts which our members will certainly look forward to. We offer or sincere thanks to Callum, Music for Hospitals and Poppy Scotland for putting the concert together.
Callum commented:
“It’s been pleasure to meet the members today at the Linburn Centre who all enjoyed the songs and were smiling away; a job well done in my eyes. You always get a character in the group, as I’ve always discovered, and Peggy certainly stood out today. It was lovely to have the opportunity to perform and entertain members at Scottish War Blinded.”
Here are a few of the old favourites Callum covers in the care sector.
Northern lights
Your cheating heart/ king of the road
Sir Harry Lauder set 4 songs
Beautiful Sunday
For TheseAre My Mountains
Callums Road Whistle
Coulters Candy
Twist/ Mary Lou/ Singing The Blues
Tennessee Waltz
Island of Tiree
Country Roads/ Sweet Caroline
White Cliffs of Dover
Stand By Me
Granny Aff a Bus
Loch Lomond
Auld Lang Syne/ Show Me Way To Go Home