Huizers Ruud and Wim are buddies and are linked to each other by the volunteer center because of Wim’s early dementia. Now they have a wild plan: start a band. Wim: “Drums give me energy and I want to give that to others as well.”
The appeal is clear: all musical people are welcome. “We would like to set up a music group, where Wim can pick up his old hobby, drumming,” says Ruud Verspiek.
Ruud is Wim Weitgraven’s dementia buddy. Every Friday morning the gentlemen meet on Wim’s boat. In addition, they now also sing together every Wednesday in a small choir. “And now the plan for a band has been added,” says Wim.
“Guitar, accordion or harmonica would be a good addition.” – NH News
After an article in the local newspaper, a pianist and a singer have already reported. “And we can probably use the drum set in the De Draaikom community centre,” says Ruud. But they could still use some replenishment. “Guitarists are welcome. And someone playing the accordion or harmonica would be nice too.”
Wim used to drum for years, his hands still easily beat a drum solo on the edge of the table. “I want to make people happy with our music,” he says. The plan is to perform in community centers or nursing homes. “That people who let their heads hang down a bit, sit up again and think: that’s nice,” says Wim.
swinging audience
The repertoire will consist of well-known sing-alongs, mainly in Dutch. “It must be recognizable for our audience. We take them back to the past,” says Ruud. And will he be the singer? “Haha, no. Then the band will soon be over,” he jokes.
He will be the manager of the – as yet unnamed – band and he also hopes to stir up the future audience a bit. “I’ve always been a physiotherapist, so I’m going to do my best to get people moving. Get up, sit down, to the beat of the music,” says Ruud.
“A breakthrough in Europe would be nice, haha. But we don’t like flying that much”
Wim therefore has early dementia, but if it is up to him, he wants to think about it as little as possible. “Your driver’s license is immediately taken away, it’s as if you are no longer allowed to participate in society,” says Wim. In general, he feels very good. “It’s not that bad. The diagnosis is correct, I forget things. But there is still so much that I can do.”
For example, playing in a band. And what is the ambition: break through in America, record a CD? “No, we don’t like flying that much, so it’s just touring in Europe”, Wim jokes. “Unless there is a great offer, we will consider that,” Ruud adds.