Michael Alan Anderson is a music historian at the Eastman School of Music. He has spent his career studying and performing sacred choral music, and he brings that rich experience to building musical communities where everyone feels welcome and supported. Inspired by a case study he published on music interventions for individuals with advanced dementia, he launched the ENCORE Chorus in 2024 to bring a vulnerable population together through song. Under his leadership, the chorus offers a openhearted environment where participants enjoy community through musical art. Michael works closely with partners at the University of Rochester Medical Center to support research and growth of the program. He also serves on the National Advisory Council of the Giving Voice Initiative, the model on which ENCORE is proudly based.