Interactive Music Toolkits for Senior Enrichment
Key Chorale launched the Come Together Choir Online Choral Rehearsals in March 2020 as a response to the pandemic. More than 600 households from all over the world participated and experienced the joyful and therapeutic benefits of singing – even during isolation. That success led us to create Come Together Choir Interactive Music Toolkits for Senior Enrichment.
This initiative is made possible thanks to monies and grants from Charlie Ann & Jim Syprett and ACM Lifting Lives.
What are the benefits of a Come Together Choir (CTC)?
Inspire. Engage. Uplift.
The Come Together Choir Toolkits are a turn-key choral experience designed to bring seniors together through the joy of singing—no matter their musical background.
In just 7 weekly, one-hour rehearsals, participants prepare for a custom themed performance in Week 8, centered around familiar, uplifting music.
CTC Toolkits Include:
- 10–12 Curated Songs
Timeless, recognizable tunes arranged for senior voices—unison to 4-part harmony. - Music in Senior-Friendly Keys
Comfortable ranges and accessible arrangements make it easy for everyone to join in. - Licensed Music & Printables
Printable PDFs of all music and a sample singer binder showing our proven customized layout designed especially for seniors. - 8 Detailed Lesson Plans
Week-by-week instructions including vocal, breathing & physical warm-ups. - Companion Guidebook
Developing Choral Sound Through the Warm-Up by Joseph Caulkins – explains all exercises used. - Two Conductor/Keyboard Binders
To guide rehearsals confidently. - Practice Tracks
For singers to use at home and for leaders to reinforce learning in rehearsal. - Concert Materials
A sample concert program and an entertaining themed script for your final performance.
Why It Works
While designed for general senior enrichment, this program has shown meaningful impact with individuals managing:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s, dementia & memory loss
- Cognitive and physical challenges
Support & Training Included
To ensure your success, each toolkit includes a limited number of 1:1 consulting hours with Key Chorale’s professional staff to maximize your experience. Need more help? Additional consulting hours are available upon request to guide your team or tailor the experience further.
Sing. Connect. Come Together.
Whether in community centers, assisted living, adult daycare, or memory care settings—this program promotes social connection, cognitive stimulation, engagement, and greater physical and emotional well-being.
People with Parkinson Disease (PD) have difficulty with just about every aspect of life, including mobility, balance, motor control, emotional expression, vocal control, and communication. Working with Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s, Joseph Caulkins put together a fantastic program called Off-Key Chorale. People with PD absolutely love this opportunity to engage in singing and performance, which not only brings joy to them and their community, but also allows them to exercise their voice, their lungs, and their bodies at the same time. I often hear my patients say things like “I don’t even think about my PD while doing Off-Key Chorale!” Now with the Come Together Choir Interactive Toolkits for Senior Enrichment these types of experiences are available to seniors everywhere. Thank you, Joseph Caulkins!
Dr. Dean P. Sutherland MD, Neurology Specialist
CTC has done all the hard work so your group can just sing and have fun!
CTC has more than a decade’s experience designing and delivering purposeful singing experiences with a unique system that replaces frustration and confusion with structure and repetition.
Each CTC toolkit is based on a 60-minute rehearsal for seven weeks culminating in a rehearsal and performance in the eighth week. The performance lasts approximately 30 minutes and includes one singalong with the audience. The curriculums are centered on familiar music that is challenging, yet simple enough that everyone can have a great time, regardless of their musical skill.
“It gives joy and satisfaction to see others experience the joy of making music. Heartwarming and rewarding!”
For More Information:
Call Ellen Schaller, Community Outreach Specialist, at 941.921.4845 or email Ellen by clicking here
CTC was developed by Key Chorale and Artistic Director, Joseph Caulkins. Key Chorale, a symphonic chorus in Sarasota, Florida, has been partnering with nonprofit organizations for more than ten years to provide specialty choirs for those with health challenges in addition to its signature chorus and ensembles.
“My wife struggled when she began at Senior Friendship Centers. She was unsure of staff and hesitate to join in group activities. She tends to be stuck in her ways, and can become agitated when things don’t go as she’d like them. With the patience and love from the staff, and partnerships such as Key Chorale, she has grown tremendously. She now participates so much more, even taking other women under her wing and encouraging participation. The music has moved her.”
