The Eastman Community Music School (ECMS), together with support from Eastman Performing Arts Medicine (EPAM) and the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), announce the launch of ENCORE, a large intergenerational chorus to benefit both people with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementia in the early-to-mid stages and their caregivers. ENCORE aims to provide a structured musical experience for a vulnerable population that could benefit enormously from a nonpharmacological approach to a deadly disease.

Music-based interventions, particularly singing, are well known for improving the lives not only of people afflicted with dementia but also their care partners. Michael Anderson, Chair of the Eastman School of Music’s Musicology Department, published a case study in 2019 describing the Phoenix Symphony’s participation in clinical research involving people living with Alzheimer’s disease. He was so moved by the story that he was determined to see if it could work in Rochester, backed by the resources of a world-class music school and medical center, brought together in recent years through the Eastman Performing Arts Medicine program.

Joining Anderson in leading the ENCORE initiative are Petar Kodzas, Associate Dean and Director of ECMS, as well as Gaelen McCormick, Director of EPAM (both graduates of the Eastman School of Music). The chorus model is based on the Giving Voice Initiative in the Twin Cities, which fosters the creation and operation of independent choruses that bring joy, well-being, purpose, and community understanding to people with Alzheimer’s Disease and their care partners.

Full Press release which includes more details and full listing of sponsors across the University of Rochester is available, along with poster that can be distributed and posted. Both can be found here.

The ENCORE chorus will start rehearsals in March and is accepting both registrations and volunteers:

https://www.esm.rochester.edu/community/registration/

Dates: Mondays, March 18-May 20, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Location: First Unitarian Church of Rochester, 220 S. Winton Rd. Rochester, NY

Best,
Jessica