"Your music works better than doctors and pills to make us feel better."
– Alice, a 101-year-old care home resident, San Ramon, CA
“Dan Howard can walk in to a room full of shy strangers and in less than ten minutes create a party with almost everyone singing along. He is, at heart, a community builder.”
– Robert Sanchez, Administrator, assisted living facility, San Francisco
“You cheer us on and you cheer us up. And sometimes you challenge us
in a very good way.”
– Gladys B., assisted living resident, Concord, CA
“Dan’s greatest talents include an ability to make people feel free to express themselves through music by singing, playing a tambourine, humming or simply tapping out the rhythm of a song with their feet. He is able to go into any group of people and put smiles on faces and laughter in the air.”
– Anya Taylor, Owner, Industrial Wellness Safety Consulting, Humboldt County, CA
“Not only did Dan bring with him his joyous heart, talent, and clear intention, but he also brought with him a delightful and imaginative variety of rhythm instruments which we used to dance the Sacred Dance. Both voice and movement parts of the workshop were forms of meditation which not only deepened each one’s spiritual process but also broadened the experience of spiritual community.”- – Rev. Heather D. Clark, Pastor, Bonita Church of Religious Science, Bonita, CA
- "Dan Howard has shown exemplary talents and great rapport with Aegis residents and staff. He has been consistently pleasant, entertaining our residents with his great voice, enthusiasm and creativity."
- – Sheila Villarreal, Director of Activities, Aegis Living of Pleasant Hill (CA)
"Dan wrote a tribute song to celebrate my husband's 50th Birthday. I gave Dan a lot of information about my husband's childhood, hobbies and interests, as well as his accomplishments in later life. Dan wrote a funny, heartwarming song and performed it at my husband's Surprise Party. Everyone laughed and cried. It was very special. Dan is an excellent song-writer and performer and I highly recommend him.
– Joy Wood, Santa Cruz, CA
- “One of our participants is quite shy and tends to “hide” (by bowing her head). Dan has made her feel so comfortable that she independently took ‘center stage’ during a sing-along. Dan presents a variety of music to our clients and they consistently demonstrate their attentiveness through tapping feet and smiling faces. Dan “reads the room,” knowing when to shift his song selection from newer material to the “golden oldies.” His selections add a delightful diversity and his enthusiastic conversation keeps everyone’s attention.”
- – Catherine Sanders, former Director, Mt. Diablo Respite Program, Pleasant Hill
-
- “Dan’s energy helps us feel good, and singing together is a joy we look forward to each week. If you’re not having a good day, his music always makes us feel better. It puts a smile on our face, but most of all, we enjoy the friendships we make through his music. It makes you want to go back again and again.”
- – Participant, ALIVE Program, Concord, CA (Futures Explored/Providing support for adults with developmental disabilities, Lafayette, CA)
“Not only did Dan bring with him his joyous heart, talent, and clear intention, but he also brought with him a delightful and imaginative variety of rhythm instruments which we used to dance the Sacred Dance. Both voice and movement parts of the workshop were forms of meditation which not only deepened each one’s spiritual process but also broadened the experience of spiritual community.”
