IMNF-led Beth Abraham Gospel Choir Celebrates 13th Anniversary

Nov 30, 2011

The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF)-led Beth Abraham Resident Gospel Choir celebrated its 13th anniversary with a spirited performance in the auditorium at Beth Abraham Health Services. A roomful of residents – choristers and audience -- became active participants while enjoying a two-hour show on November 3. The 50-member choir received high praise, not only for its performance but also how professional everyone looked in their new blue choir robes, decorated with the IMNF's MUSIC Has POWER pins (the IMNF ran a social network campaign to raise funds to offset the cost of the robes).

Musical director and guitarist Tom McClelland led the program and MC Angelina Holmes kept the event lively while the audience enjoyed a half dozen hymns and vocal solos by a few residents and special guests.

Many of the singers have limited independence and are separated from families and friends.

The gospel choir is their special community. Some have suffered strokes, and one of stroke’s side effects is depression. The choir, which has weekly rehearsals, helps the singers work through their depression, bringing them a sense of purpose and community.

The choir helps the participants in many other ways: it aids those who are recovering their speech (through singing), encourages hand movements through holding lyric sheets or clapping and nourishes social and emotional needs.

Pictured: (Right) Choir members performed in the Beth Abraham Health Services auditorium. (Left) Ernestine Vincent, a volunteer and mother of a resident, joined in.

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