Bringing seniors together through music: 'I really enjoy it so much'
GULFPORT, Fla. - A group of senior citizens blow sweet music in their golden years.

Gulfport Senior Citizens Harmonica Club members playing music.
The Melody of Life brings harmony to their lives. They are "What's Right With Tampa Bay."
About Melody of Life
The backstory:
They say music is a universal language, and for the members of the Gulfport Harmonica Club, it’s also the language of joy, laughter, and connection.
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"It's fantastic," said Bud Dickey, Gulfport Senior Citizens Harmonica Club. "I really enjoy it so much."
"We play old songs that are near and dear to everyone's heart," said Mary Stein. "We're not against new songs, but, you know, we'll even consider something post-1980 if we have to."
Bringing seniors together
Dig deeper:
Every Wednesday morning, this group of about 18 seniors gathers at the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center with one mission: to make music together.

Gulfport Senior Citizens Harmonica Club members playing music.
"We have no professional musicians here, but we have different levels of harmonica players," said Lawrence Smith, President of Gulfport Harmonica Club.
"Some of them just play along, blow and draw, and just have a good time. And others are very good musicians," Smith added.
Who can join?
No experience? No problem!
The Gulfport Harmonica Club is as democratic as it gets. Anyone over 55 is welcome to join.
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"We've had all kinds of people, we’ve had lawyers, we've had doctors, we've had scientists, we've had all types," Smith said. "One of our members is from China."
The only prerequisite is bringing a harmonica, which you can buy for as little as eight bucks.
"I've been playing since I was 60 years old. And now I am 94," Smith stated.
"I was eight years old when I first started playing, said Dickey. "And I'll be 88 in four more days. So that's about 80 years of harmonica."

Bud Dickey playing the harmonica.
But age is just a number here, as the group bonds over the simple joy of creating music.
"I like to hear what the other people are playing," said Stein. "I like to learn some new songs and I like to play the old songs."
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For these seniors, the harmonica is more than just an instrument; it’s an oasis of harmony in their busy lives.
Interested in joining Melody of Life?
What you can do:
What a heartwarming story!
Music truly has the power to bring people together. And who knew a little harmonica could make such a big impact?
Call (727) 893-2237 or (727) 893-1231 to learn more.
The group rehearses on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Gulfport Multipurpose Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. S.
The Source: FOX 13’s Mark Wilson collected the information in this story courtesy of Bud Dickey, Mary Stein, and Lawrence Smith.
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