Key Chorale, a Sarasota-based symphonic chorus, has been awarded a national grant from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America to help fund their Come Together Choir initiative that brings the joy and benefits of group singing to memory care units, retirement communities, and other care and community organizations serving people living with dementia.
CTC helps meet the growing demand for accessible, meaningful, and easy-to-implement music programming for individuals living with dementia by providing an all-in-one choral enrichment toolkit to care and community organizations. Each CTC toolkit provides everything necessary to facilitate seven 60-minute weekly rehearsals, culminating in a themed performance in week eight. The program keeps participants
engaged, and supports cognitive health, emotional well-being, and social connection.
“Music is much more than a form of entertainment; it has many potential health benefits as well, including cognitive stimulation, reduced stress, enhanced mood, and social connection,” said Charles Fuschillo Jr., AFA’s president and chief executive officer. “Through its CTC program, Key Chorale is making it easier for individuals living with dementia to experience the joy and benefits of participating in group music ensembles together. We are pleased to support their work.”
The AFA is able to provide vital services such as this grant as a result of individual contributions, sponsorships and fundraising activities. To help support these initiatives or learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and resources available to help families affected by it, visit alzfdn.org.
“The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s support of Key Chorale’s CTC initiative is significant in many ways," said Johnette Capadonna, chief impact officer for Key Chorale. "Beyond providing much needed financial support, AFA helps expand the initiative’s reach by sharing information with its membership, increasing awareness and connecting more individuals and families with this important program. Key Chorale is deeply grateful for AFA’s collaboration and partnership, which strengthens our ability to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.”
Led by Joseph Caulkins, Key Chorale produces collaborative musical events that engage and enrich the community. Through collaborations with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, The Sarasota Ballet, The Venice Symphony, The Circus Arts Conservatory, and more, Key Chorale is able to create programs that continue to push the boundaries of choral music.
To learn more about Key Chorale’s CTC program, visit keychorale.org or call 941-921-4845.
About Alzheimer’s Foundation
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is a nonprofit organization with a mission is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias nationwide and to fund research for better treatment and a cure. Its services include a National Toll-Free Helpline (866-232-8484) staffed entirely by licensed social workers, caregiver support groups, educational programs and publications for caregivers, dementia-care training for healthcare professionals, the National Memory Screening Program, and more.
For more information about AFA, call 866-232-8484 or visit alzfdn.org and Facebook.
Submitted by Sandy Silverstein
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota choir receives support to help dementia patients
