Singing With Friends

Singing with Friends (SWF) provides active community music making in long-term care facilities. It cultivates positive and joyful social interactions and supports participants mental and physical well-being. Participants musicality has an avenue for expression and positive community interactions foster deeper friendships and a richer quality of life. Health benefits include memory and brain stimulation through memorizing melodies and lyrics and sharing life stories; deep breathing through vocal exercises and singing songs; physical exercise through clapping, movement and getting to and from SWF activities; and emotional health through meaningful and purposeful human connection. The program includes twelve weekly residents’ choir rehearsals (everyone is welcome to join, no previous musical experience is necessary); five biweekly professional music concerts of various vocal genres selected by the residents; and a culminating residents’ choir concert accompanied by a professional music ensemble followed by a residents’ dinner party. SWF is supported by a $7500 grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts. MEF thanks the commission for their support.