Silver Spring, MD - Music fills the air at Riderwood, an Erickson Senior Living community in Silver Spring, Md., as members of Riderwood ROCKS prepare for their upcoming December concert.
Performing rock music from the 1950s and beyond, Riderwood ROCKS is one of more than 35 chorales under the leadership of Encore Creativity for Older Adults, the nation's largest choral arts organization for adults 55 and older. Inspired by the results of an NEA-funded study investigating the health benefits of choral singing for older adults, its mission is to create meaningful arts experiences that support lifelong learning, wellness, and fun.
The ROCKS chorales, one of Encore's most popular programs, features rock 'n' roll hits sung by Elvis Presley, the Beach Boys, Led Zeppelin, Bon Jovi, U2, and Queen--just to name a handful.
Riderwood resident Betty Nordan introduced ROCKS to her neighbors following her move from Bethesda, Md., where she performed in both a ROCKS chorus and one of Encore's more traditional chorales.
"I love singing and really enjoyed performing with both groups," she says. "I thought, rather than driving to the rehearsals, I could start a chorus here at Riderwood. I chose the ROCKS program because we did not have a mixed voice [women's and men's] chorus, especially one performing rock and roll. ROCKS filled that need."
No experience needed
Riderwood ROCKS, like all of Encore's musical groups, requires no vocal or musical experience, and there are no auditions to become a member. Singers can sit or stand for all 90-minute rehearsals and performances. And because all rehearsals and performances are held on campus, the group is accessible to any resident who wants to participate.
"Our ROCKS chorus is made up of both experienced singers and those who've never sung before," says Betty. "It's a wonderful variety. I always encourage those without training or experience to try us out. It's a great opportunity to sing and have fun."
For resident Cappy Harmon, who grew up in a musical household, Riderwood ROCKS provides exactly what she was looking for in a performance group.
"As a preacher's kid growing up in the '50s and '60s, I sang a lot of church music in four-part harmony with my mom, dad, and three sisters," she recalls. "I also enjoyed singing the music of the Civil Rights Movement. And I love Motown music. I find that the music helps me get through challenging or scary times. Singing is joyful for me."
She adds, "Riderwood ROCKS provides the opportunity to not only sing, but to make new friends!"
Expert direction
The Riderwood ROCKS chorus is currently directed by Encore's conductor Kathryn Harsha, who earned a master's in music in conducting from the Cleveland Institute of Music and a bachelor's in piano performance from Bluffton University.
She leads the weekly rehearsals, often providing tips and examples for 15 weeks leading up to each performance. All songs are chosen by Encore and represent a wide range of artists.
"All Riderwood ROCKs members register each season with Encore," says Betty. "They supply all the sheet music as well as a rehearsal CD highlighting each singer's voice part. Both our December and May concerts are conducted by Kathryn and accompanied by four professional musicians."
The Riderwood ROCKers performed their first concert before a full house last December, followed by an equally successful concert in May. Their upcoming December 2024 concert is already the talk of the campus.
While the Riderwood ROCKers perform on campus, other ROCKS concerts are held throughout the Washington, D.C., area, including the Millennium Stage at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Join in the fun
"We continually surprise ourselves," says Betty. "Last December, we were given a song that none of us knew. It was 'Thunderstruck' by AC/DC. We were worried that we wouldn't like it, but in fact, we loved it. It is now one of our favorites."
Since their debut last December, news of Riderwood ROCKS' success has spread. In May, Ashby Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Ashburn, Va., held their first ROCKS concert.
"We are really proud of our concerts and the hard work--and fun--that goes into their success," says Betty. "Riderwood ROCKS provides a welcoming environment for anyone wanting to sing or learn how to sing."
She continues, "I've heard potential singers say things like, 'I've never sung' or 'It's too late to start now.' But my advice is to join us. You'll realize that you really can sing and that singing can be so much fun!"
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