Bozeman Magazine

www.KateBryanMusic.com or call 406-570-2839 for more information -------------------------------------------- Most of us have been moved by music that evokes a memory, or just makes us feel good. This Senior Sing Along does just that, while creating music-based friendships and decreasing social isolation. In addition to experiencing the joy of singing with others, research by the Global Council on Brain Health (BCBH) has shown that listening to and making music can be very therapeutic, and can significantly improve our brain health. In fact, the GCBH report recommends that “people of every stage of life, especially singers, “unleash the healing power of music through dancing, singing or movement.” Multiple research studies in the past decade have also clearly documented the physical benefits and “brain-exercising” that occur when Seniors sing together. Physical benefits include reduced stress, enhanced breathing, increased cognitive function, greater focus, assistance in rewiring the brain after a stroke, and relief of some Parkinson’s symptoms. Kate Bryan has been leading Seniors in song since 2008. Her life’s mission is to “Create Community and Connection through Music” for people of all ages. Having recently retired from teaching Music Together (music-making for families with young children), she is now dedicating her time and energy to get more Seniors singing. She is also a member of three music groups that perform locally: Kate & The AlleyKats, The Treble Makers, and The Boomerangs. She accompanies Seniors in song with an energy that is contagious and engaging. Kate recently found a way to make it easier to serve Seniors in various locations in the Gallatin Valley. For years, she’s been using large songbooks that were unwieldy and heavy for some Seniors. To make things easier and more streamlined, she’s now using iPad technology to digitally store and project song lyrics on a TV screen, which makes it much easier (and portable) to visit and conduct sing along events at other locations, including Senior living communities, Senior Care Center, Senior Centers and Assisted Living facilities. The Singing Souls Sing Along meets in a comfortable room on Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. at Pilgrim Church (2118 S. 3rd Avenue, near the Museum of the Rockies). The singing sessions are offered in the fall, winter and spring, with a more flexible schedule in the summer. To introduce yourself, get more information or to be added to Kate’s weekly email or text reminders and schedule updates, call or text Kate Bryan at 406-570-2839. All are welcome, and the Senior Sing Along gatherings are offered for FREE with an optional free-will offering to help cover the overhead cost of digital devices and software associated with lyric projection.