Raising Voices is a chorus that incorporates familiar music, dementia-capable volunteers, and structured direction. These help to provide a supportive environment in which persons with dementia and their care partners can experience joy, love, understanding and meaning through music.
Singing for joy
Singing for health
Singing for community
What is Raising Voices?
Raising Voices is a community choir made up of persons living with Alzheimer's and other dementias, their care partners, and volunteer voices. No singing experience is necessary to join! It is modeled after the Giving Voice Chorus in Minneapolis. ​​​
Why join the chorus?
Music has the remarkable ability to evoke memories, emotions, and connections, even in the face of cognitive decline. Through the transformative power of music, we provide a platform where individuals with dementia can rediscover their voices, connect with others, and experience moments of joy and empowerment.
Singing, in particular, uses all parts of the brain and increases neuroplasticity. Singing familiar songs has been shown to improve cognitive function. It also improves breathing and lung capacity, and boosts the release of endorphins and serotonin - the happy hormones!
Further reading:
Click for frequently asked questions!
Mission Statement
Raising Voices works to give persons living with dementia and their carepartners a way to enjoy the health and social benefits of making music together. Access to meaningful engagement in a supportive choral community can maximize individual abilities and provide members with the opportunity for self-expression, self-determination, and success. It is our hope that through a positive musical environment that promotes dignity and respect, dementia patients and their carepartners can realize holistic improvements to their well-being and quality of life.
