Memory-loss-related choir to start meeting soon

Memory loss takes many things, but music often hangs on. Sing for Joy Chorus seeks to take advantage of that phenomenon with the kickoff of its first memory-loss-related choir this fall.

Free and open to all in the community, the choir will begin Sept. 10 at Millersburg Mennonite Church, 288 E. Jackson St., Millersburg. The group will meet Tuesdays from 3-4:30 p.m. and run for 10 weeks.

Director Georgia Jaeb hopes choir sessions will provide a fun outlet and a safe space for those navigating Alzheimer’s and dementia as well as their loved ones.

“This is almost a hidden population. It’s a tough journey,” Jaeb said. “This is something I’m passionate about. If people out there need this, (I hope) they will find us and want to participate.”

Jaeb is starting the choir in honor of her mother Donna, who passed away from Alzheimer’s 2 1/2 years ago. From singing hymns to all the hits from Loretta Lynn, Donna would have enjoyed attending such an event.

“One of the things in our life that we shared was music,” Jaeb said. “Even in her final year or two, she could still sing. When she was nonverbal, she still knew the tunes and could harmonize.”

Recognizing the power of music, Jaeb researched Alzheimer’s and dementia networks and came across a nonprofit called Giving Voice Initiative, which organizes choirs for memory loss populations. After not finding a branch in Ohio, she decided to start her own, using the free organizational resources the nonprofit provides on its website.

As a retired music teacher at Millersburg Elementary School, she brings a range of musical expertise, along with friends Rachelle Lyndaker-Schlabach and Marianne Mader. Lyndaker-Schlabach, co-pastor at Millersburg Mennonite Church, will serve as the choir’s pianist while Mader, longtime adult choir member at Holmes Center of the Arts, will help with vocals.

Its name Sing for Joy comes from the memories Jaeb remembers experiencing with her mother, and she hopes the name will attract those like-minded.

“Joy was just what I always saw on her face when we sang together, and that gave me joy as her daughter,” Jaeb said.

Music will range from ‘40s to ‘70s tunes including hymns, folk and pop music. Jaeb is planning the arrangement for this first round and welcomes suggestions for future seasons. Light refreshments will be provided during each choir session, giving all a chance to mingle.

The choir has purchased sheet music and refreshments to jump-start the fall and hopes for donations to keep future seasons going.

A minimum of 10 participants is needed for the choir to take off. Jaeb would love to get 20-40.

“The more the merrier,” she said.

She invites volunteers from the community who’d like to join the choir and assist anyone who may need help with their music.

The 10-week program will conclude Nov. 19 with a celebratory concert to follow for family and friends.

The deadline to register is Sept. 8 by calling 330-763-1967 or emailing georgiajaeb@gmail.com.