From one voice to another, the love of music is a shared attribute throughout Northfield. For many, singing is a beautiful way for individuals to express themselves and often plays an important role in bringing communities together.
On Sept. 15, Eyleen Braaten, the executive director of Giving Voice Chorus, hosted a small group to talk about their upcoming project within Northfield. Marge Ostroushko and Mary Lenard, co-founders of the program, started the program with the goal of “focusing on what people can do rather than what they can’t.”
They started small and, after much success, were able to create choirs all over the Twin Cities and a toolkit to allow for the creation of over 70 self-sustaining dementia-friendly choirs around the world.
The startup of the Giving Voice Chorus in Northfield has the potential to not only build a stronger community, but also to destroy the stigmas surrounding dementia, according to the founders. The group plans to use music and singing as a vehicle to create an open space for the flourishing of new friendships and socialization between those who may feel isolated due to their diagnoses. Giving Voice Chorus is designed for those living at home, and it acts as a social time for singers and care partners or duets, which makes this a unique option for those who are interested.
As well, their work is backed by research. Studies done on how music affects the brain suggests that it has multiple health benefits such as keeping the brain stimulated and accessing music memory, which is stored close to emotional memory.
The group plans to have practices starting in January, most likely on Mondays at around 1 p.m. If interested in volunteering opportunities, reach out to Kristin Kivell at [email protected].
