Atlantic Shores Retirement Community Vocal Groups Use Music for Therapy and Personal Expression

Virginia Beach, VA, October 02, 2019 --(PR.com)-- Their talents light up a room, but it’s not just audiences that are inspired as they experience a performance by vocal groups from Atlantic Shores Retirement Community in Virginia Beach, Virginia, it’s the chorus members themselves. The only retirement community in the region with both a four-part chorus and special ensemble group, Atlantic Shores proactively supports music education and performance for the personal expression of their musically talented residents, to enrich the lives of its independent living, assisted living and memory care residents, to give back to the greater community, and to span the generations.

The long tradition of resident musical groups began almost 23 years ago when Atlantic Shores first opened, with a capella groups Community Singing, and the Forget-Me-Notes.

Today the Atlantic Shores Chorus boasts 40 members ranging from those who sang in college and community choruses, to an 89 year-old Methodist minister who had never learned to read music.

The Atlantic Shores Coastal Singers is a of 12 who do special performances inside and outside the community as a show choir.

The groups delight fellow residents throughout the year, with a season running from September through May, always ending with a popular Memorial Day concert. Performances for 250 guests are held in the community’s beautiful Chesapeake Room. Special sing-along shows are created for Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day. Patriotic songs are featured in a special Veteran’s Day celebration.

Throughout the year, several themed shows add to the fun, including the upcoming “Cruise Around The Word,” performance, and “The Weather Channel” performance, starring resident Bob Burchett as a weatherman announcing weather-themed songs like “Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head.” A special multigenerational Christmas concert is being planned for this year, with Virginia Beach’s Ocean Lakes High School students joining the chorus for a special holiday event at Atlantic Shores.

Performances frequently integrate actors or dancers for an additional element of fun, including fellow resident groups, like Atlantic Shores’ Friday morning dance group.

The Coastal Singers provide a very special welcome to new Atlantic Shores residents by performing at New Member’s Tea events, and also entertain local church and civic groups at luncheons and meetings held at Atlantic Shores. The group also donates their time to perform for organizations in the area, like the Thoroughgood Ladies Music Club.

One of the most popular and rewarding ways this group uses its musical talents is by performing each month for residents at Harbourway, Atlantic Shores’ assisted living facility. The interactive sing-along concerts are one of the most eagerly anticipated social events, and also serve as informal music therapy for the residents.

As the musical “face” of the retirement community, Atlantic Shores’ vocal performance groups continue a tradition that is driven by its member’s love of performance. Beth agrees, “Their enthusiasm is amazing. They’re always prepared, eager, gracious, and ready to go above and beyond. Whether performing or just rehearsing, they say the experience fills them with happiness. For that we are all grateful!”