American House Choir

As we enter our senior years, there are those who may struggle finding purpose or direction.  The members of the American House Choir find meaning and purpose with each note they sing and each smile flashed from the audience.

Daniel Greig, American House choir director, enjoys spending his time working with the seniors. He expresses joy and appreciation when asked about his youthful-at-heart vocalists.

“I am constantly humbled by the diverse stories that each person can tell about their own life.” Greig says. “In every rehearsal, I am conscious that the residents in front of me have lived through wars, the Great Depression and many other events that happened well before I was born.  Despite my age, we connect with one another using music as the bridge.”

Recently, we filmed with the singers including Rita MacCulley, a retired nurse and her friend Virginia Gizynski, a former accountant. The women love their time in the choir as it gives them a sense of purpose and has an overall positive impact on their lives.

Documenting this group was nothing short of inspiring. Their voices and energy are enough to touch anyone who listens. Their thirty-minute concert performance consisted of show tunes from the 1930’s and 40’s as well as patriotic music from the World War II era. Throughout the concert, it was common to see both smiles and sing-a-longs from the audience.

“The choir is an integral part of the American House communities. It brings smiles, laughter, nostalgia and a real sense of caring for one another,” Greig says. “At the heart of every performance is a deep love for music, for singing and for sharing music with others. “

The choir has only been together for a few short years but has grown in numbers and popularity since its inception. Greig says that the group performs for local events as well as senior establishments and community centers. The choir, comprised of approximately thirty members from across the different American House locations, all have a tight-knit relationship. As for our two ladies Rita and Virginia, their youthful exuberance shines every time a new song begins.