Choral singing is beneficial for people of all ages but for older adults, especially during the COVID pandemic, it has been a lifeline, particularly for those who live alone.
As the former associate artistic director of Encore Creativity for Older Adults, the nation’s largest choral organization for adults over 55, I’ve seen firsthand the tremendous joy choral singing can bring to the older population. As a newcomer to Wilmington, and the new director of Music at Trinity Episcopal Church, I am thrilled to be launching the Encore Chorale of Wilmington.
The Chorale will meet for 90-minute in-person sessions for 13 weeks at Trinity, at Delaware Avenue and North Adams Street.
The group will sing a fun and eclectic mix of music in many styles and from many different eras. No auditions are necessary.
Encore’s mission is to provide an accessible arts education and performance opportunities for older adults regardless of ability or experience.
For many Encore singers — retirees, widows, widowers, empty nesters and people looking for new and different experiences in their later years — singing has given them a new community of friends and a new purpose along with learning challenges and performance opportunities, but most of all choral singing is fun.
Some participants have never sung before and are experiencing something totally new, while others are more seasoned or may have sung in college or high school.
Newcomers needn’t be fearful of learning harmonies and sight-reading or performing on stage. It’s not difficult. At the end of the 13 weeks, singers will perform in a concert which is free and open to the public.
More:Open Call: The Grand is for everyone – and about 7 million people have proven it
More:Open Call: DelShakes Artistic Squad brings ever-evolving points of view to leadership
Studies have shown the physical and mental health benefits of choral singing for older adults, such as better breathing, better posture, fewer doctor visits, less chronic pain, less feelings of loneliness and isolation and more. Singing boosts endorphins, serotonin and dopamine and also can help the brain.
Encore Creativity for Older Adults was founded in 2007 by Jeanne Kelly, who had a vision for a choral program for people over 55, an age group that she felt was underserved in the arts in the country.
Today, Encore Creativity for Older Adults has more than 1,500 singers in 26 in-person ensembles across the nation, including Chorales and ROCKS programs, rock & roll choruses, and Sentimental Journey Singers, a choir for those with early Alzheimer’s and memory impairment, a vibrant online university, plus summer camp, winter retreat and travel abroad programs.
Jeanne Kelly was recently included in HelpAge USA’s first-ever “60 Over 60” list of dynamic, older Americans who are making significant contributions to society at the local, national and international levels. Jeanne joins a distinguished list of honorees, such as Jane Fonda, Nancy Pelosi, Dr. Anthony Fauci and many more.
HelpAge USA is a non-profit organization that champions the dignity and potential of older people.
Starting a chorale during a pandemic has been very challenging. We originally scheduled the in-person program to begin in early January but postponed the in-person start date until February out of caution.
Encore had a successful fall season of in-person singing before Omicron set in. Earlier in the pandemic when in-person singing was put on hold, Encore had to reimagine itself and created a virtual program, Encore University. Because of its popularity, Encore University has now expanded into a multidisciplinary online arts education program featuring music, dance, music history, vocal training, drawing, painting, literature and much more.
More:How did Wilmington’s new soundstage balloon from $8M to $17M in costs during pandemic?
Encore Chorale of Wilmington will meet at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1108 North Adams Street, on Thursdays, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Free parking is available in the church parking lot.
Tuition is $190 per person.
Encore Chorale of Wilmington will follow all city, state and federal COVID guidelines.
All singers must show proof of COVID vaccinations and a COVID booster shot. All singers must remain masked for the in-person rehearsals and will be distanced from other singers in both rehearsal and performance by three feet.
For more information and registration, visit www.encorecreativity.org or call 301-261-5747.
David Simmons is the conductor of the new Encore Chorale of Wilmington and music director at Trinity Episcopal Church. With more than 30 years of experience as a conductor, organist and pianist in the Washington, D.C. area, Mr. Simmons has worked with numerous musical organizations, such as the Choral Arts Society of Washington, the Washington Chorus, the Washington National Opera and the Congressional Chorus, where he served as Artistic Director for 14 seasons. He has conducted at many venues, including the White House and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
