Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s and Key Chorale will offer the free voice strengthening program series, the Off-Key Chorale, beginning in January. The Off-Key Chorale provides an opportunity for individuals with Parkinson’s disease to improve and strengthen their voices through singing and provides a fellowship activity for people whose social opportunities are often limited by this disease.
Celebrating its 10th year, the Off-Key Chorale kicks off the winter season with music from “The Times They Are A Changin” rehearsing every Thursday at 10:45am from January 12th – March 2nd at a new location -Senior Friendship Center at 1888 Brother Geenen Way in Sarasota. This program is offered at NO CHARGE and is comprised of people living with Parkinson’s, family members, caregivers, and volunteer singers from Key Chorale. Led by Joseph Caulkins, Key Chorale Artistic Director with live musical accompaniment by Lee Dougherty Ross with Artist Series Concerts.
“One of my highlights each week is working with the Off-Key Chorale,” said Maestro Joseph Caulkins. “Our motto ‘No pressure, no expectations, just fun’ is what it is all about. Making a great sound, having a marvelous time and seeing music make a difference in people’s everyday lives.”
“Watching the joy that overcomes their faces when they sing is a delight. It is one of my favorite programs and partnerships, stated Dr. Sara Grivetti, CEO of Neuro Challenge. “Exercise continues to be the best way to prevent Parkinson’s from advancing, and since Parkinson’s can affect the vocal chords it is important to exercise them. And I can’t think of a more enjoyable exercise than singing”
Register for this free program on the Neuro Challenge Program Calendar at NeuroChallenge.org.
About Parkinson’s Disease:
Affecting nearly one million Americans and 10 million worldwide, Parkinson’s disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s and is the 14th-leading cause of death in the United States. It is associated with a progressive loss of motor control (e.g., shaking or tremor at rest and lack of facial expression), as well as non-motor symptoms (e.g., depression and anxiety). There is no cure for Parkinson’s and 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States alone.
About Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s:
Neuro Challenge is a 501(c)3) nonprofit organization created in 2008 to improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers today. Neuro Challenge provides individualized care advising, local resource referrals and virtual and community-based education, therapeutic and support programs in Southwest Florida including Sarasota, Manatee, Pinellas, Highlands, Marion and Charlotte counties. Neuro Challenge hosts The Parkinson’s Expo, the largest single day free PD event in the U.S., held annually in Manatee County, FL. All Neuro Challenge services and programs are offered at no cost to people with Parkinson’s disease and their loved ones. Visit NeuroChallenge.org or call 941-926-6413 to learn more.
About Key Chorale
Key Chorale, the Suncoast’s premier symphonic chorus, is dedicated to transforming lives through innovative programming, artistic excellence, educational outreach and service to the community. Led by Joseph Caulkins, Key Chorale produces high quality collaborative musical events that engage and enrich our community. Through dynamic collaborations with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, The Sarasota Ballet, The Venice Symphony, The Circus Arts Conservatory, and more, Key Chorale is able to create unforgettable programs that continue to push the boundaries of choral music.
For more information, visit www.keychorale.org. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeyChorale/