Seniors Enjoy Encore When It Comes To Performing
September 18, 2009
By Jeremie Guy
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Fun for senior citizens can be hard to find, but Jeanne Kelly started an organization dedicated to doing just that.
Kelly’s organization, Encore Creativity for Older Adults, serves the senior community though an assortment of programs and classes for adults 55 and older.
Encore’s chorales perform at various locations and times around the country throughout the year. Chorale concerts are free! The chorales, led by a professional conductor, sing a mix of musical genres, including show music and holiday favorites. A grand total of 10 chorales have been organized for the fall. The chorales do not require auditions, but a small tuition fee is required of all singers. All over the age of 55 are welcome to join.
Singing camps are also offered by Encore, and past attendees have left with warm spirits. Nancy Armstrong of Towson, Md. visited one of Encore’s camps and said, “Jeanne is a classically trained musician and with her help, I’ve restored my ability to sight read.” Campers are taught a few pieces of music, which they perform in concert at the end of the camp.
“The five-day camp was a wannabe’s [singer] dream,” says Armstrong.
Encore offers dancing/movement classes at the Arlington Center for dance (Arlington, Va.). The dancing classes range from ballet and jazz to swing and salsa. The classes are not only fun, but they also may help relieve joint and muscle pain. No prior dance experience is required.
Jeanne Kelly
Kelly thinks that people can help Encore in a number of ways, but the main way is through simple support. Coming out to see the chorales perform is essential, and the chorale performance schedule is posted on Encore’s Web site. On Jan. 2, more than 35 Encore singers will travel by cruise ship from the Port of Baltimore down to Charleston, Key West, and Nassau to perform.
Any type of volunteer work is valued by Encore. Encore is currently looking for volunteers to help with public relations, concerts and grant writing. Visit www.encorecreativity.org for more information or call Jeanne Kelly at 301-261-5747.
