“Music is in our souls,” Helen Green said about the Forever Young Chorus, who are members of the Elder Citizens Recreation Association.
The group of more than 40 singers are hosting an event like a big family Christmas Party where people gather at tables and sing Christmas songs. The event is the Christmas Sing Along on Dec. 11 and will see at least one member of the choir sitting at each table of audience members to help them along.
There will be sweets and savouries served that the choir members have made and there are several door prizes that will be given away.
“For some of our seniors winning a door prize will be the only gift they get this Christmas,” Helen said.
The proud grandmother said she’s got her two lovely granddaughters volunteering to serve seniors during the event just to make things a bit easier for those who need a helping hand.
Guests should be prepared to have some fun singing along to all the classic holiday songs and don't worry if the words escape you. The lyrics will be posted using an overhead projector.
It all started when Janice moved to town and was looking for a choir to join. She was told about the Silver Threads but by the time she went to join they had folded, Janice recalled.
“We started with eight ladies voices in 1992,” Janice Taylor founder and choral director said.
Barbara Voelkner and some others who were part of the Silver Threads started the Rainbow Singers with Elaine Clarke as the accompanist and Janice as choral director. The name was changed about a decade ago to better reflect the choir members who are all young at heart hence the name Forever Young Chorus.
“It’s always been a joy,” Janice smiled. “If I didn’t enjoy it I wouldn’t do it.”
Helen, member of the executive for the Forever Young Chorus, said the choir is very important to a lot of seniors, those singing and those listening.
“Many of our seniors are alone at home and this gives us a chance to mingle and converse with others,” Helen said.
“Being part of the choir is an amazing opportunity to challenge ourselves, to work hard and develop confidence. Research has shown for some time that singing in a choir has tremendous benefits for physical and mental well being, not only improving memory and focus but also for physical coordination and development and it keep us young, too.”
“Forever Young,” Janice smiled.
Tickets are at the Elder Citizens Recreation Association Centre at 1092 Tenth Ave, for $12 each.
Get them in advance and early to avoid disappointment as this event has sold out in the past.
