Still We Sing: A Memory Choir for People Living with Dementia
Guest post from Kennedy Niska, Executive Director of the Legacy Chorale of Greater Minnesota
For many living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, the world can become an increasingly fragmented place. Names slip away, routines feel foreign, and the ability to communicate often fades. However, a growing movement is proving that while the mind may struggle to find words, the soul never forgets a melody.
Memory choirs are therapeutic singing groups designed specifically for individuals with cognitive decline and their caregivers and there is no doubt that they are emerging as a powerhouse of holistic health and wellness.
Still We Sing, our new memory choir for people living with dementia and their care partners, had its first meeting on January 20, 2026, at The Center in Brainerd. The morning was filled with singing, laughs, and infectious joy
We are welcoming new singers to join us at our next rehearsal:
Tuesday, January 27 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am
The Center, 803 Kingwood Street in BrainerdNOTE: Starting April 28th through August 31st, Memory Choir will be meeting on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 10:30 to noon in the Great Room.
The Center has graciously offered us a larger gathering space if our numbers swell. Come make a joyful celebration with us!
Why You Should Get Involved:
In the Brainerd Lakes Area, something extraordinary happens when voices come together. Still We Sing is more than a singing group—it’s a lifeline of joy, connection, and shared experience for individuals living with dementia and the loved ones who walk alongside them.
Research consistently shows that while dementia affects many areas of the brain, musical memory often remains remarkably intact. Familiar songs can spark recognition, lift moods, and help restore a sense of self—even in the later stages of memory loss. That’s where the choir comes in.
Each gathering offers a warm, welcoming space where participants can sing songs they’ve known for years. Caregivers and family members often join in, transforming rehearsals into moments of connection rather than caregiving tasks. Instead of focusing on limitations, the choir celebrates what remains—rhythm, melody, laughter, and the joy of singing together.
For many, Still We Sing provides much more than music. It offers emotional support, social engagement, and a renewed sense of belonging. It’s a chance to share meaningful experiences, build community, and create moments of light in the midst of a challenging diagnosis.
At its heart, this choir reminds us of a simple truth: while dementia can change many things, the capacity for joy, connection, and heartfelt moments often remains. And sometimes, all it takes is a familiar tune to bring it forward. Memory choirs remind us that health isn’t just the absence of disease—it’s the presence of joy, connection, and dignity. By shifting the focus from what has been lost to what can still be expressed, these vocal groups are proving that harmony is a powerful medicine.
To learn more about the Legacy Chorale of Greater Minnesota, the Memory Choir and Still We Sing, send an email to admin@legacychorale.org or call 218-270-8212.