Music Program

We are fortunate to have two Bell Choirs and the Chorus.

Bell Choirs

Each Bell Choir is a visual and aural demonstration of the progress and fun participants and staff share during our activities. The Bell Choir at the Center began around 3 years ago. It began as a fun activity for us, but the therapeutic value, physical and mental became realized over time.  Eye hand coordination, focus and listening skills, and even self confidence has improved for those who have participated. The group enjoys performing and have played as the Main Feature at our last two yearly Christmas Pageants. The group has progressed to the point of reading notation, and learning different ringing techniques.

Because of all these benefits, and our larger new facility, we have started another Bell Choir.  We meet twice a week for different skill levels. We practice holding the bells, ringing the bells, changing bells, memorizing our parts and interacting with each other.  The new facility has given us our practice room where we loudly celebrate our successes by shouting “POP goes the weasel!” at the end of each practice.

Participants have advanced from single word statements to helping others play their parts. They have gained considerable strength holding the bell and memorizing their parts. At first some rang the bells so quietly no one was able to hear. Now we can hear all of them as they play their notes without being prompted.

Chorus

What began as a sing-along evolved into a twice-weekly activity. We remember old favorites and share them with each other. There are a lot of favorites of all types!  In December, we have our annual holiday concert for the entire Center and participants’ families.  We  play "Name That Tune" and Music Pictionary. Small discussion groups are scheduled on topics like musicals, Broadway, opera, spirituals and the history around songs.  In the works are a hymnal and song book of pieces selected and requested by the participants.

We also have frequent volunteer guest performers.

Scientific findings link active music making to measurable improvements in human well-being, especially in older adults. Loneliness, stress, depression and even the effects of Alzheimer’s Disease have been shown to respond to music, and some studies have even linked music making to better functioning of the immune system.  Singing is a secure way of being together, inviting each participant to take part. Singing is also a viable source of stimulation and interaction, an alternate method of communication, which reduces agitation and promotes engagement in an activity and interaction with another human being. It increases the blood flow and releases muscle tension.

And it livens up the Center!