Older adults in Delaware who love to sing can join in song this fall with Encore Creativity for Older Adults, the nation’s largest choral arts organization for adults 55 and older. Registrations are now open for the Encore Chorale of Wilmington; no auditions or experience are required. Interested singers can register on Encore Creativity’s website at encorecreativity.org/register, by emailing info@encorecreativity.org, or by calling (301) 261-5747.
The Encore Chorale of Wilmington is looking forward to welcoming singers for the fall semester who are seeking a new musical adventure — and want to improve their physical, mental, and social health. All singers are invited to join in song with the Encore Chorale of Wilmington. The non-auditioned ensemble is home to singers with no prior experience and provides an excellent artistic environment to nurture a newfound love of singing. The ensemble meets each Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1108 N. Adams St, Wilmington.
“Our ensembles are the perfect way to unite in the friendship and community that singing builds,” said Joshua Vickery, CEO of Encore Creativity. “There are so many physical, mental, and emotional benefits from singing, and we are honored to help create a world where all older adults have a place in the arts.”
With isolation ranking as one of the highest health risks for older adults, singing with the Encore Chorale of Wilmington can alleviate feelings of loneliness, and improve mental, physical and social health. “When I retired from my job after 22 years, I was afraid I’d get isolated. There is no being lonely at Encore,” said singer Bill Innes, who is now in his third semester of singing with the Encore Chorale of Wilmington. “The group is filled with folks in the same spot, happy to see each other every week. We sometimes have get-togethers on our own, outside of practice.”
That sense of camaraderie fills the room at each rehearsal of the Encore Chorale of Wilmington. “No matter how old we are, we never lose our desire for joy,” said Wilmington singer Beverly Van Horne, who also joins the Encore Chorale of Wilmington for her third semester this fall. “Joy is the feeling of delight and happiness that comes upon us when we participate in an activity that gives us pleasure. As we age, we do not lose the desire be with others as we work on a project that stimulates our brains while making new friends. And each new singer is welcomed by those who have sung before and quickly becomes a part of the chorus!”
More Open Call :Vision for Read House landscape connects past and future: Open Call
Encore Creativity for Older Adults was founded in 2007 after the results of an NIH-funded study that proved the health benefits of singing for older adults. The study followed older adults in a structured choral program that met for 90 minutes per week. Participants in the chorale program felt more connected with their community, enjoyed a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment in everyday life, experienced fewer falls and doctor visits, required less prescription medications, and had decreased levels of depression and anxiety. The results of the study inspired the creation of Encore Creativity, which now hosts ensembles across the nation.
More Open:Delaware illustration’s career celebrated at Newark Arts Alliance
“Music brings people together and lifts them up on some many different levels,” said David Simmons, conductor of the Encore Chorale of Wilmington. “After the stress and separation of the COVID years, so many people have been looking for deeper and more meaningful connections with their community. Encore gives older singers that opportunity while also bringing the joy of music back into their lives.”
Connections — and that sense of community and relationship-building — are at the heart of music. Harmonizing voice parts and uniting for a grand performance creates friendships that last beyond the rehearsal room. “It was amazing to watch how quickly our new Encore singers bonded with each other, both musically and socially, into a wonderfully supportive and cohesive unit during our first season in Wilmington last year,” said David Simmons. “They created a new musical family!”
Registration for the entire rehearsal season is $190 per person and includes sheet music and a CD highlighting the singer’s voice part. A scholarship program is available to offset the cost of tuition for those needing financial assistance. For more information and for a complete list of all ensembles across the nation, visit encorecreativity.org.
Emma Spicknall is marketing manager of Encore Creativity for Older Adults.
