FAQs
Curious about how a dementia choir works, or wondering if it might be right for someone you know? Below are answers to some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Resounding Voices.
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If you have other questions about our chorus, please Contact Us.
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About Dementia Choirs
Q: Why is being in a chorus so beneficial for people with dementia?
A: A growing body of research from around the world shows that playing music, and more specifically singing as part of a group, has a host of benefits for those living with dementia:
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The parts of the brain that deal with music are unaffected by dementia until late in the disease process, if ever. This lets people with dementia engage in an activity that they CAN do, when so much of their life has become about everything they now can’t do.
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Singing with a group requires that the singers be with other people. This is an antidote to the social isolation that often increases for people with dementia and their care partner following a dementia diagnosis.
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Dementia Choir participants report improved attention, information retention and learning.
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It’s a fun and meaningful activity that people with dementia and a care partner can do together.
Q: How is this different than a sing-along?
A: Resounding Voices offers a unique depth of learning and participation. Sing-alongs use well-known songs and the participants sing only the melody. Resounding Voices involves both
experiential and sequential learning. Most of the songs are in two- or three-part harmony, and singers learn a mix of familiar and new music.
Q: When is the best time to join?
A: In our experience, the best time to start signing with us is as soon as possible. Every person is different, but we have observed that many singers with dementia who start with the chorus while symptoms are mild are able to participate much longer than those who start when symptoms are more advanced. Even if singers don’t recall the details of past rehearsals, they do still recognize the rehearsal environment as a place they enjoy being. Early participation also allows our volunteer support singers to really get to know singers with dementia so they can better support them as their dementia progresses.
New duets are welcome to being signing at any time, but we do encourage you to join at the start of a semester (usually in February, June or September) rather than in the middle. Joining at the start of a semester lets you have the most practice time before our concert.
Q: Do I have to have a formal diagnosis to attend? Do I have to have Alzheimer’s?
A: No, a formal dementia diagnosis is not required. Anyone experiencing mild cognitive impairment or memory loss due to Alzheimer’s or another dementia can attend. Non-Alzheimer’s dementias include Lewy Body Dementia, Vascular Dementia or Frontotemporal Dementia. Those with dementia related to Parkinson’s Disease may also benefit from singing with our chorus.
Q: Will everyone know I have dementia if I join this choir?
A: We understand that there is a stigma around dementia, and some people may want to keep their diagnosis private. We respect that choice. While we do ask that people with dementia register to sing with a partner, we don’t ask which partner has dementia. The beauty of our choir is that no one is singled out for having dementia. Those with the disease, their care partners and volunteer singers are all members of the same team, working together towards a common goal. Our motto is “There’s no wrong in the room,” and everyone is empowered to participate to the best of their ability.
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About Rehearsals
Q: What is a Resounding Voices rehearsal like?
A: Rehearsals are where most of the "magic" takes place, where singers and their care partners experience joy, social interaction, and the satisfaction of working toward a goal. The chorus rehearses weekly for 10-12 week sessions. Each rehearsal lasts about two hours, including 30-40 minutes of social time before and after the working rehearsal.
Our staff or volunteers greet everyone warmly when they arrive and serve snacks and beverages. During social time, singers talk with other chorus members and volunteers. We have found that people with dementia, care partners and volunteers alike quickly form strong bonds during social time. Our director singing a few lines of a familiar song signals that social time is over and rehearsal is beginning.
A typical rehearsal includes:
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Opening ritual song and warm-up
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Work repertoire
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Stretch break and a familiar “Move & Groove” song
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Announcements and “On This Day in History”
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Work repertoire
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Closing ritual song
Everyone understands the challenges singers are facing. Volunteers help singers keep track of their music books, follow the director's instructions, and generally keep things moving smoothly. The rehearsal environment is flexible, inclusive, and focused on the music, so singers can relax and simply enjoy singing. The motto at every rehearsal is “There is no wrong in the room.”
Q: Can I visit a rehearsal before I join?
A: Yes, visitors are welcome. We do take several breaks throughout the year, so we encourage you to contact us for the current rehearsal schedule before you visit.
Q: Do I have to have previous musical experience or be able to read music?
A: No musical experience is required, and you don’t need to know how to read music to participate. You may choose to use the sheet music or “lyric sheets” that have the words for the songs without the notes. The only requirement is a willingness to attend weekly rehearsals and make good music and good friends!
Q: Why is socializing such a big part of rehearsals:
A: The opportunity for singers to socialize informally before and after rehearsals is essential to the full chorus experience. For many singers, this will be their only social time of the week, and they value it dearly. We have found that singers with Alzheimer's also enjoy socially appropriate physical touch — shaking hands, welcoming hugs, holding an arm for support or a pat on the back for a job well done — all things that are often lost in the isolation of dementia.
Q: Why are care partners required to participate in the chorus too?
A: Providing a positive and joyful experience that people with dementia and their care partners can enjoy together is a key objective of the program. Many care partners tell us that participating provides an activity both partners can enjoy together, and provides a shared point of reference and discussion topics throughout the week. Additionally, many care partners find spending time with other care partners provides valuable support for them.
Some duets like to stay together during rehearsal, while others prefer to sing with their respective vocal parts. Either option is okay. If a duet wants to sit in separate sections, we will make every effort to pair the singer with dementia with a volunteer support singer who can assist them during rehearsals and concerts.
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About Volunteering
Q: What is the role of volunteer support singers?
A: The primary role of our volunteer support singers is to establish relationships with our duets (a person with dementia and a care partner who participate together are called a “duet”). While singing in the choir is important, the most important job for these volunteers is to support others.
Q: I don’t like to sing. Can I still volunteer?
A: We do have some non-singing volunteer role such as social time hosts, concert ushers and fundraising support. Please see our Volunteer page for more information.
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About Concerts
Q: Why is there a performance at the conclusion of each session?
A: The performance gives the participants a venue to demonstrate their achievement and joy to family members and the community at large. It also allows our singers to help break down the stigmas around Alzheimer’s and dementia by showing that they are able to learn and perform music.
Q: The idea of a public performance makes me really nervous. Do I have to be in the concert?
A: While we encourage everyone to experience the thrill of performing in a live choral concert, participation is not a requirement. If you prefer to sit the concert out, that’s okay.
Q: Can anyone attend the concert?
A: Yes. Our concerts are open to the public. Tickets are $10 for adults, and those 18 and under get in free. Tickets are available at the door.
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