Since 1984, Key Chorale, the Suncoast’s premier symphonic chorus, has created unforgettable programs that continue to push the boundaries of choral music.
And, for more than a decade, Key Chorale has been bringing the therapeutic benefits of singing to our community with their outreach choirs. This fall, four different specialty choirs are set to begin – choirs for those living with Parkinson’s, dementia and memory loss, and now, a new bold initiative is set to give others the tools to create their own choirs for senior enrichment.
Key Chorale has been involved with community outreach choirs since 2012 working with local non-profit organizations dedicated to specific health challenges. Participating in a choir is a meaningful way to engage in community life and improve emotional well-being. Participants develop friendships, work together to create a beautiful sound, and gain the many therapeutic benefits of singing. Group singing provides physical, emotional, and social benefits. These benefits are felt by attendees, care partners and volunteer singers from Key Chorale.
Key Chorale’s newest initiative, Come Together Choir Interactive Music Toolkits, was developed by Key Chorale and Artistic Director, Joseph Caulkins who has designed eight themed curriculums with a unique system that delivers purposeful and fun singing experiences. While the individual curriculums are conceived for general senior enrichment, they also are perfect for those living with Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease or memory loss.
“Our goal is to foster choirs all over the country,” said Maestro Caulkins. “Our Come Together Choir concept has done all the hard work so that any musical leader or music therapist can hit the ground running. We give them all the tools necessary to have success right away.”
Each Come Together Choir toolkit is based on a 60-minute rehearsal for seven weeks culminating in a rehearsal and performance in the eighth week. 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.
Members of Key Chorale’s Community Outreach Team were invited to make a special presentation at the annual convention of the Florida Council of Aging in Orlando this month. FCOA is an organization committed to serving Florida’s diverse aging interests through education, information-sharing, and advocacy.
“It was a great platform to talk about our successes with our Where Are My Keys? Chorale, for those living with memory loss and our Off-Key Chorale, for those living with Parkinson’s,” said Ellen Schaller, Community Outreach Specialist. “At the convention we were able to launch Come Together Choir, Interactive Music Toolkits for Senior Enrichment. The response was very enthusiastic, and participants even got to be the choir for the session.”
Each season, Key Chorale delivers 64 sessions of meaningful, purposeful singing experiences for senior enrichment and those living with health challenges and their care partners. In addition to the Where Are My Keys? Chorale in partnership with Senior Friendship Centers and JFCS of the Suncoast, and Off-Key Chorale for those living with Parkinson’s in partnership with Neuro Challenge for Parkinson’s, Key Chorale is launching a new choir, based on the Come Together Choir concept in partnership with Town Square Sarasota.
New sessions begin August 24 and also later in the fall. If you, or someone you know, might benefit from being part of one of Key Chorale’s outreach choirs, please contact Ellen Schaller at 941.921.4845 or [email protected] for more information.
Key Chorale’s community outreach choirs
OFF-KEY CHORALE
People with Parkinson’s commonly experience weakness in the various muscles used in speaking, whether respiration, voice production or lip and tongue control. This can lead to difficulty with articulation, slurred speech, reduced volume and pitch, and breathy voice. Difficulty in swallowing is also common. Off-Key Chorale provides all the benefits of singing, socialization and fun. Off-Key Chorale is a partnership with Key Chorale and the Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s.
FALL SESSION:
October 19 – December 14, 2023
10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
Location: Senior Friendship Center
1820 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota, FL 34236
WHERE ARE MY KEYS? CHORALE (WAMK)
Two choirs that provide positive and joyful experiences for those living with dementia and memory loss. These groups explore the potential of people living with memory loss to experience renewed purpose, learning, friendships, and happiness. Presented with our partners at JFCS of the Suncoast and Senior Friendship Centers and their Adult Day program.
FALL SESSION:
August 24 – October 12, 2023
12:45 PM – 1:45 PM
Location: Senior Friendship Center Adult Day Program
1820 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota, FL 34236
WINTER SESSION:
October 19 – December 14, 2023
12:45 PM – 1:45 PM
Location: JFCS of the Suncoast
2688 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34237
LOCAL COME TOGETHER CHOIR (CTC)
Our newest community choir introduces our long-standing experience designing and delivering purposeful singing experiences for the community. Our local CTC is a partnership with Key Chorale and Town Square Sarasota.
FALL SESSION:
August 24 – October 12, 2023
10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
Location: Town Square Sarasota
3882 Central Sarasota Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34238