the essential
Extraordinary activity, at the EHPAD, for after-school children…when music rhythms with laser and digital.
On Wednesday afternoons, it is well known that there is no class! However, if you approached the school this November 27, you would have seen your toddlers, lined up two by two on the sidewalk, supervised by Laetitia, Maeva, Marion and Morgane.
These four are not their teachers but the facilitators of Yaka Jouer, the association in charge of after-school activities. Direction: the EHPAD, for an unusual musical experience. Under the baton of the Bao Pao, an instrument as futuristic as it is fun, children and elders would come together.
What is Bao Pao?
The Bao Pao® (Chip-in-Ear Computer-Assisted Wand) is a laser-stringed musical instrument. Magical, it is aimed at everyone: young and old, musicians or not, able-bodied or disabled.
Technically, a laser beam, connected to a computer and a speaker, produces pre-recorded notes and pieces. With a wand in hand, simply cut the beam to trigger a note: a red dot lights up, and the sound rings out. The note stops when the stick returns. The tempo adjusts to the gesture, from piano to forte.
With a simple stick, you are a musician and conductor.
Everyone joined in the game
At the EHPAD, the residents had a head start: some already knew the instrument and took the opportunity to play again. Josette beat time with her foot, while Lydia, a caregiver, let herself be carried away in a rock then a waltz with Solange, a resident. Noah, the civic service, and Anne, the intern, also tried the experiment, as did a few families present.
The children were delighted. Imagine: no music theory, no recalcitrant strings or pistons; just a wand and a wave of the hand! Khalessi, 7 years old, Antone, Cataleya and Oscar immediately got into the game. Adrien and Alec, proud of their interpretation of “Champs-Élysées”, delighted the audience. To a tune by Alain Souchon, Corinne, host, joined the show with Isabelle Soullier, speaker.
The afternoon ended in style with a snack brought by Bouchra: strawberry tarts and music, a duo of sweet pleasures! Great intergenerational moment.
