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Encore Creativity for Older Adults, the nation’s largest choral program for singers 55+, is pleased to introduce a chorus for those diagnosed with early or beginning moderate Alzheimer’s and other memory impairments. “Sentimental Journey Singers” will begin Monday, September 9 from 9:30 to 11am at Insight Memory Care Center at 3953 Pender Drive, Suite 100, Fairfax, VA.

Encore is proud to be partnering with Insight Memory Care Center to bring this excellent choral program to those diagnosed with early or moderate dementia. Insight is a nonprofit adult day health and resource center providing specialized care, support and education for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments, their families, care partners and the community.  

For those in early stages, Insight offers social engagement programs to maximize capabilities, and provide support for loved ones to adjust to changing family dynamics. Insight is the only dementia-specific day center in the DC metro area and still the only adult day health center in Northern Virginia with programs for people in the later stages of dementia. Their innovative education and support programs provide caregiver classes, community trainings, professional seminars, support groups and individual consultations.

With 16 Encore Chorales and 6 Encore ROCKS (rock n roll choruses) in the DC/MD/VA and New York City area serving over 1,250 singers ages 55+, Encore Creativity for Older Adults is perfectly positioned to deliver an excellent choral program for those diagnosed with beginning or moderate memory impairment. Singers, along with their care partner, will delight in singing familiar and new songs in three- part harmony. Singers will be rehearsing familiar music for the Christmas and Chanukah holidays along with favorites such as Somewhere Over the Rainbow. They will learn vocal technique skills to improve their singing voice and enjoy the thrill of singing in a chorus and the all-important social aspect of choral singing.

Tuition will be $195.00 for fifteen weeks of rehearsals. The tuition covers the rehearsals under a professional conductor, a music therapist pianist, music, rehearsal CD containing the music that is being rehearsed, refreshments during social time and a free, December public concert. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

There are no auditions and Encore is hopeful that all care partners will also sing. Please note that care partners are not required to sing but are required to sit in on every rehearsal. Care partners do not pay tuition but are required to pay a $25 registration fee. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Conducting the Sentimental Journey Singers will be Mary Ann East, an Encore conductor and adjunct professor at George Mason University. MaryAnn is pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Boston University. She also conducts the Community of Faith UMC in Herndon, VA and is the director of the Capital Harmonia Community Women’s Chorus.

Rachel Thompson will serve as the pianist. Rachel received her Master’s Degree in Musical Therapy from Florida State University.  A Board – Certified Music Therapist, she works primarily with adults who have dementia or other cognitive impairments.

SJS Open House 20190715 2 00Encore invited all interested individuals to the Sentimental Journey Singers Open House on Monday, July 15. Many attended and remarked upon how much they enjoyed it. Please call the Encore office at 301-261-5747 to reserve space for the singer and care partner. Encore invites anyone who is interested in this program, or other Encore choral programs, to visit http://encoreacreativity.org to learn more about Encore. Encore believes that singing is a lifetime journey. Encore would love all caregivers to join us! Your experience will offer teamwork, confidence, a lot of fun and incredible joy!

SINGERS CLICK ON BUTTON TO REGISTER

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CARE PARTNERS CLICK ON BUTTON TO REGISTER

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Encore Returns to the Chautauqua Institution for Our 12th Annual Summer Choral Institute August 25—August 30, 2019.

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The end of August in Chautauqua is a tradition as old as Encore  itself. It's easy to understand why if you've spent an evening on the porch of the Athenaeum Hotel sharing wine and conversation with fellow Encore singers. We asked last year's singers, "What did you especially like?"  One person's response: Whole ambiance - scenery, lake, front porch, eating outdoors, shuttle, buildings within walking distance, yoga classes, laughter, kind staff, accommodations - perfect place!"  Spot on!  So, again, we return to Chautauqua.

This Encore program will be conducted this year by Encore's Founder and Artistic Director Jeanne Kelly, and Ingrid Lestrud, who conducts the Langston Brown Encore Chorale and co-conducts the Glen Echo WCM Encore Chorale at Glen Echo. It draws singers from across the country interested in improving their vocal technique, rehearsing challenging choral music and spending a week in a beautiful setting with fellow music lovers.

Each day will begin with morning movement class, followed by a full choral rehearsal and an opportunity to enjoy the surroundings, including guided tours of the Institution’s grounds in the afternoons. There will be vocal technique classes and sectionals, as well as full rehearsals twice a day. Each evening we will enjoy a relaxing dinner in the beautiful Athenaeum Hotel dining room, followed by evening recitals and programs from artists of local and national reputation, to give participants a flavor of the “in-season” Chautauqua experience.

The program will conclude Friday afternoon when we perform a choral concert for friends, family, and the local community in Elizabeth S. Lenna Hall. This is always a wonderful finale!

Encore is the nation's largest and fastest growing choral organization for adults over the age of 55.
Encore's mission is to provide an excellent and accessible artistic environment for older adults, regardless of experience or ability, who seek arts education and performance opportunities under a professional artist.
All Encore programs are conducted by professionals who know how to get the most from their members. So come join the excitement, either as a beginner or at an advanced level. This is a great way to develop or improve your musical abilities, meet new friends, and look forward to an exciting performance schedule.
You’re never too old to try something new—and have the time of your life!
Encore is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax exempt organization.