We are so thrilled to see our very own Jeanie Brindley Barnett featured on Star of the North, the website for the Minnesota chapter of the American Choral Directors Association.
Jeanie has been a part of the Giving Voice family since the beginning. As a co-founder of the MacPhail Music for Life program, Jeanie was a driving force in helping to establish the way we sing together as a dementia choir.
From the way we begin our rehearsals with a signature song to moving and grooving to signing off with Happy Trails, Jeanie has helped to create a model that was easily and readily replicated by dementia choruses across the country.
But, the most important thing about the way Jeanie leads rehearsal?”
“The word ‘can’t’ won’t be a part of our conversations.”
I make each individual feel welcome, important, respected, and safe.”
“My goal is to provide tools for success so that each singer will know and believe that we will celebrate together the many things that they CAN do.
Jeanie is beloved for her warm and welcoming presence.
Everyone in Jeanie’s chorus knows that they matter. And everyone in Jeanie’s chorus knows that it’s okay to try. Mistakes are part of the process.
But don’t let Jeanie know that we’re talking about mistakes. Because if you know Jeanie, you know that there is no wrong in this room.
Thanks to Jeanie, “There is no wrong in this room” is the Giving Voice Chorus motto.
Jeanie makes it fun.
So much fun that rehearsal day is the best day of the week.
We can’t wait for next week. In the meantime, you’ll find us singing to ourselves in anticipation!
Thanks, Jeanie, and congratulations on a great feature.
Are you ready to start singing? Registration for Giving Voice Minneapolis with Jeanie can be found here, along with our St. Paul and Edina options.
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