Sharing music's joy, unplugged and personal

They might soon become a famous musical duo – a new Simon and Garfunkel?

Right now, though, Tim Disher and Daniel Gillis are best known for being the brains behind Unplug – a Dal student society that brings music into the lives of Halifax’s marginalized adults.

“We realized that there weren't really any music programs for people over 35,” explains Mr. Disher. “And I’m really interested in the therapeutic and community building aspects of music.”

Following a pilot project with Capital Health’s Connections Clubhouse in April, the group has since worked with the Saint Leonard’s Society shelter network, the Halifax Rehab, and the Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia. Each program lasts for a month, during which Unplug’s musical volunteers visit the organization four times to play and share music with its members.

“It is not the concept of ‘playing to’ or ‘for’ but playing with and teaching each other,” says Mr. Gillis, who notes that they don’t expect their student volunteers to all have extensive musical knowledge: part of the fun of Unplugged is getting to try something new, including instruments. Volunteers often take on new skills: for example, Mr. Disher has taken on the saxophone and guitar since launching Unplug.

Changing people’s perception and minds

So what’s it like playing music with homeless and at-risk adults in Halifax?

“It doesn't feel like you are in a 'shelter',” says Mr. Disher. “You have the same conversations with the people there that you would with any one else. As a society, we often treat people in the shelter system as if they are below us when in reality they are just like you and me and deserve to be treated that way.”

And that’s key to Unplug: in addition to bringing music to these community organizations, the society’s members also hope to change people’s perception towards the disadvantaged.

“We want to create a community, and music is a good tool for that.” says Mr. Disher.

Given the different organizations they work with, Unplug tries to keep things fresh. “Four to six weeks is the perfect length for each program, as it is short enough to ensure the volunteers’ ability to commit, and long enough to develop meaningful, genuine relationships,” says Mr. Gillis.

The program doesn’t cost a lot to run: it’s people and instrument powered.

“We have three boxes of instruments with bells, drums, triangles... basic instruments,” says Mr. Gillis. “Volunteers bring their own instruments too: guitars, saxophones, small pianos and more.”

And every Unplug session is a learning experience – for everyone involved.

“They are amazing people, and—in some cases—genuinely talented musicians.” says Mr. Disher of the program participants. “Hopefully the experience is enlightening for our volunteers and can help change some perceptions.”

To learn more about Unplug, visit the group's website.