BIO
A dynamic manager combining initiative with practicality, Debra has more than 35 years of experience in the non-profit sector, including executive management, strategic planning, orchestral operations, festival production, and PR. Debra has been Executive Director of Concerts in Care since 2017, taking professional live music to a wide variety of seniors’ living situations across Ontario. Covid created opportunities to develop digital delivery which continue, and she initiated touring last season.
From 2003 to 2010 she was National Director of Piano Plus, a classical music touring program taking Canada's finest musicians to smaller and more remote communities across Canada. She also directed national projects for Orchestras Canada and Canada Council, production of three Bach Festivals at the University of Toronto, and strategy sessions with smaller arts and social services groups.
After beginning her career as an artist manager, she managed Chamber Players of Toronto with Agnes Grossman and Paavo Jarvi, then became Director of Music Administration for the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra under Bramwell Tovey, producing the Winnipeg New Music Festival for two years. Debra has lived in Toronto for 40 years, but returns to her native Nova Scotia annually and now to Europe where her children reside.
Debra Chandler
Live Music is the Universal Language of Memory, Joy, Relief and Connection for Staff & Seniors
Music can bridge mental, physical, and emotional barriers, stimulate memories, and provide a way to communicate when language is more challenging. Staff can connect with residents and even enhance their own well-being through music. Recreation staff in long-term care (LTC) often hire musicians to provide concerts for residents.
In this project, we explored the potential benefits of weekly concerts for both residents and staff of 3 Ontario LTC homes. Residents were observed to react in positive ways to the performances, including singing, clapping, and moving to the music, and demonstrated appreciation and curiosity for the performers and their instruments. Staff indicated that the performances benefited their own social well-being and mood, provided additional ways of connecting with residents and colleagues, and helped them look forward to coming to work. Our results underline the importance and benefits of providing access to high-quality music in LTC for both residents and recreation staff.