Joyful Voices
Community Choir Design Project
Help us develop a new community program for people with memory loss and their families.
BY THE COMMUNITY, FOR THE COMMUNITY
We’re asking you to help us co-design the Joyful Voices choir.
Creative reflection activities like idea mapping, storyboarding, and talking circles
Focus groups, discussions, or interviews
You can participate in activities like:
Are an Adult (18+) with or without memory loss or an adolescent (13–17) with parent/guardian permission
Live in Lexington’s City Council District 1 or 2, or work with a community organization
Have an interest in arts, aging, community, or dementia support
You may be eligible if you:
Help us make this choir:
Inclusive for people with memory loss
Meaningful across generations
A welcoming space for creativity and connection
We need your inputAlzheimer’s disease and related dementias affect over 7 million older adults in the U.S., impacting memory, communication, and daily life. Because medications offer limited benefits, especially in later stages, supportive, non-drug approaches are essential.
Music is a powerful way to connect with individuals living with dementia. Even as cognition changes, many people still respond to rhythm, melody, and emotion. Music can reduce agitation, improve mood, and encourage communication—creating meaningful, positive moments for both individuals and their care partners.
Just as important is community. People with dementia value connection, purpose, and feeling included. Community-based music programs provide opportunities to engage, build relationships, and stay connected to others. Together, music and community help support well-being, dignity, and quality of life.
Science Behind a Song
Our vision is that Joyful Voices will be an inclusive, accessible community choir for people living with memory loss an those who support them. It will be grounded in music therapy and shaped by input from the local community, like you, ensuring it reflects real needs and experiences.
By blending proven music therapy approaches with community collaboration, we hope Joyful Voices will offer a welcoming, culturally responsive space where participants can connect, engage, and thrive. The program will be designed to be a sustainable, inclusive model for using the arts to support health and well-being.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Our Vison:
