Consider a chorus for your community

Check with churches, schools, community centers, and performing arts organizations in your area for leads on potential candidates. Also check the website of your state’s chapter of the American Choral Directors Association.

Our Start a Giving Voice Chorus Toolkit provides information about music director qualifications. The music director must have a solid understanding and commitment to the Giving Voice Chorus principles outlined in the Toolkit and an understanding of dementia and its varied effects on behavior and communication. He or she should have technical skills similar to those of any other choral director, but also a willingness to adapt his or her techniques and style to suit the needs of the chorus. Additional “soft” skills will make the music director more effective: patience, openness to new ideas, a sense of humor, ability to establish a rapport with the singers and also to challenge them without overwhelming them.

We are providing the Toolkit information and recommendations so others can learn from the experience and successes of the first Giving Voice choruses. Some practices may not be right for your particular community, or you might have a better idea that you try. If you do, please let us know so others can benefit from your experience!

GVI has no membership program and does not collect dues or membership fees of any kind. We hope you will let us know if you are planning a dementia-friendly chorus and will freely share your ideas with us and others.