HELP US
HELP OTHERS


OUR OUTREACH

Our outreach is about working with others to promote the power of singing, across the continuum of life, to build a better society.  Our Chorus is making music that’s making a difference.  After reviewing all the benefits we bring to our community, please consider making a donation to help us help others.  

DONATE


SINGING FOR THE BRAIN

Research suggests that listening to or singing songs can provide emotional and behavioral benefits for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.  Musical memories are often preserved in Alzheimer’s disease because key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively undamaged.

Although singing cannot cure Alzheimer’s or other dementia, it can help reduce negative symptoms associated with the disease and help to reduce stress.

 Singing along can also benefit caregivers by reducing anxiety and distress, lightening the mood, and providing a way to connect with loved ones who have Alzheimer’s disease — especially those who have difficulty communicating.

The Heart of Florida Chorus brings four-part harmony, including sing-alongs of familiar music, to the residents of local memory-care facilities.  Striving to help these residents connect with a lost past musically is yet another way for the Chorus to live its anthem: Keep The Whole World Singing.

If you wants us to help your residents reconnect with their buried memories, contact us.

In Care Facilities

We perform at nursing homes, assisted living and memory care facilities to help residents connect with their past through music.



DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION

Introducing students to this uniquely American form of musical harmony is our way of making sure the music never dies.

We provide music educators with a guide giving a brief overview of the barbershop style, including vocal production, ranges and transpositions, tuning, and interpretive considerations.  Free sheet music is available to their students so everyone can enjoy the experience.  If requested, we are available to demonstrate barbershop harmony in the classroom as the following video shows.

 Scholarship opportunities to our Harmony University are available for music educators, front-line music directors, and people 25 and under who want to participate in our Next Generation Chorus.  At present, this week-long education experience is held in New Orleans, LA.

 Interested?  Contact us for further details.

In Classrooms

We can come to the classroom to show students the fundamentals of barbershop harmony, because we want to Keep the Whole World Singing!

Harmony Explosion

Every summer a three-day intensive barbershop experience is offered for any Florida High School Student.  Coached by some of the best barbershoppers in the area, it is amazing how far they come in such a short time.  Listen to the finale of the 2022 Harmony Explosion.



SINGING AND WELL-BEING

Group singing is cheaper than therapy, healthier than drinking and certainly more fun than working out.  It is the one thing in life where feeling better is pretty much guaranteed.  And it turns out, you don’t even have to be a good singer to reap the rewards.

– Stacy Horn, Singing Changes Your Brain

 

As the popularity of group singing grows, science has been hard at work trying to explain why it has such a calming, yet energizing effect on people.  Particularly in an aging population, these investigators have documented many different physical, emotional, social and psychological benefits associated with singing. 

  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Strengthens the immune system
  • Provides a physical workout
  • Improves posture
  • Helps with sleep
  • Becomes a natural anti-depressant
  • Lowers stress levels
  • Improves mental alertness
  • Widens circle of friends
  • Boosts self-confidence
  • Broadens communication skills
  • Increases life-expectancy

The Heart of Florida Chorus periodically offers a multiple-week forum to teach and improve singing skills that help individuals reap the health benefits of group singing and encourage the students’ expanded participation in church choirs, various community singing groups, and yes, we hope, the Heart of Florida Chorus!

In Our Forums

Watch Tania de Jong, Co-Founder & Musical Director of Music Theatre Australia, explains how singing changes the brain.

Then check out one of our forums, improve your singing skills,  and increase both your health and happiness.  And if you decide to join our Chorus, you would increase our happiness too!    Just know we will never pressure you.