By Abigail Olear
The University of Maryland is home to dozens of vocal groups — but only Vintage Voices is bridging generational gaps, one song at a time.
Vintage Voices brings nostalgia and joy to local nursing home residents through performance. Tunes by Elvis, Ben E. King, Connie Francis and other iconic ‘oldie but goodie’ artists ring through the halls during each of their outings.
The club aims to foster connections between today’s youth and older generations, increase the quality of life of nursing home residents and reduce stigmas associated with aging.
“The fact that we’re singing music that they remember, it’s kind of telling them like we appreciate you enough to try to adjust to what you like,” said freshman Vintage Voices Vice President, Morgan Brown. “Sometimes you can’t express emotions [with words] as well as you can with singing.”
The club frequently visits memory care units in nursing homes, where Alzhiemers and Dementia patients reside. Most recently, the club visited Hillhaven Nursing Home. Often, the music helps residents with memory issues reconnect with their past.
“It’s just great to see sort of like the light come back into their faces,” said sophomore Vintage Voices President, Jacob Kaplan. “You can have someone who, you know, can’t remember their own children’s names, but can sing every single lyric to a song they heard 40 years ago.”
Music has been scientifically proven to be beneficial to Alzheimer’s patients. The Alzheimer’s Association encourages music therapists to use music with patients to reduce behavioral issues and reduce agitation. It is even effective with non-verbal patients.
Many of the club’s members feel like the group puts their musical talents towards a great cause.
“It just felt like a beautiful way to continue singing,” said senior former president and current member Karley Belanger. “And also give back and just be able to sing, you know, for reasons beyond just for fun.”
Current members of the club encourage those who want to do the same to join. It is a no-pressure commitment with endless rewards. The group rehearses every Monday in Symons Hall at 7:30 p.m.
“Everyone’s welcome,” said Kaplan. “There are no auditions. You don’t have to read music and you don’t even have to be able to sing. You can just come and hang out and we have a great time.”
Featured image: Vintage Voices members spread joy at local nursing homes. The group can be reached via email at vintagevoicesatumd@gmail.com. Photo provided by Jacob Kaplan.