ENCORE Chorus
General Information
Description
ENCORE is an intergenerational chorus serving people living with early-to-middle-stage dementia and their caregivers. Offered through the Eastman Community Music School, the group rehearses together with a host of community volunteers of all ages. The initiative is guided by the Giving Voice Network, 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.
The ENCORE Chorus meets weekly for one hour of singing, followed by 30 minutes of structured social time with refreshments. Participants sing familiar favorites—especially hits from the mid-1960s—that often spark vivid, meaningful memories, while new songs are introduced to inspire curiosity and the joy of learning. But ENCORE is much more than a sing-along: rehearsals incorporate light physical movement, storytelling, and moments of connection designed to nurture cognitive, emotional, and social well-being. Each session of ENCORE (spring, summer, and fall) concludes with an informal performance that celebrates what the group has accomplished together, while keeping the emphasis on shared experience rather than polished results.
ENCORE is the first chorus of its kind in the United States to be offered through a community music school connected to a world-class conservatory, in collaboration with a major research medical center. This unique partnership ensures that participants and their care partners benefit from both expert musical leadership and the latest insights from dementia care research.
Voted on by its members, ENCORE is an acronym that stands for “Every New Connection Offers Resonating Experiences”.
Additional Info
Fall 2025 Session:
Dates: September 15 – December 8, 2025
Spring 2026 Session:
Dates: February 23 – May 18, 2026
Summer 2026 Session:
Dates: June 22 – August 10, 2026
Who Can Join
The ENCORE Chorus is open to individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias—no formal diagnosis or proof is required. People of all ages are welcome, and no musical background or ability to read music is necessary—just a desire to sing and share in a welcoming community. There are no auditions, and every participant is encouraged to join at their own comfort level.
Participants attend rehearsals each week with a care partner, and together they become full members of the chorus. Both the individual with dementia and their caregiver register as a pair, although exceptions may be made for those who live independently or without a regular care partner.
Our intergenerational team of volunteers plays an essential role by singing alongside participants and offering gentle support during rehearsals. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact manderson@esm.rochester.edu.
Why Chorus for Dementia?
Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, yet there are still no FDA-approved treatments to prevent or cure this life-altering condition—the sixth leading cause of death among older adults. But research shows that music, especially active participation like singing, can improve brain function, memory, mood, and overall well-being in people with dementia.
Choral singing, the most popular performing art in the U.S., offers unique health benefits: it releases endorphins, reduces stress hormones like cortisol, and boosts oxytocin, deepening feelings of connection and trust. A recent pilot study on the psychosocial and physiological effects of weekly choral singing specifically for people living mild-to-moderate dementia found significant enhancements to emotional well-being and lowered stress, with caregivers also reporting better mood and communication in their loved ones.
Preliminary feedback from the ENCORE Chorus echoes these findings—caregivers describe not only the joy of singing together but also the comfort of a supportive community. For many, ENCORE is more than a musical activity; it is a lifeline of connection, purpose, and shared humanity.
IN THE NEWS
Press release
Spectrum News here
WXXI
“It was great to spend time with Mom and to see her enjoy singing and talking with others.”
“Singing in the ENCORE Chorus enriches our lives … it adds structure to the day and gives caregivers a break.”
“I really enjoyed getting to know our small group during social time—very sweet people with interesting lives!”
– 2025
Testimony from ENCORE Chorus caregivers
