FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS. Founded in 2016, the Stand in the Light Memory Choir is celebrating its decade milestone with special shows later this year, and a forthcoming book, With Jubilant Song. (Photo via Facebook)

The Stand in the Light Memory Choir is celebrating its 10th anniversary season this fall. The 83-member choir is comprised of people in the early to mid-stages of memory change, their care partners and volunteers – all coming together to share a love of music and singing.

Former choir director and current executive director, Cathy Reitz, recalled the local choir's creation – founded in May 2016 – with Lisa Wells, dementia care specialist at the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ARDC) of Eau Claire County. 

“Many years ago, I attended an Alzheimer’s Conference where I heard the Milwaukee Memory Choir sing,” Lisa shared, “and I loved the idea of a choir that brought people living with dementia, caregivers, family, friends, and the community, together through music.” 

“There was just one small problem — I’m not a choir director,” she continued. 

Lisa said Cathy “immediately came to mind” as the right person to lead such a group in the Chippewa Valley, citing Cathy's musical roots throughout the community, including her connections with Wells' own family. 

“Cathy has been a part of our family for a long time,” Lisa said. “She sang in my father-in-law’s band, Planet Swing, she sings in a duo with my brother-in-law, she has shared the stage with my husband in several bands, and I even sang in one of her many choirs.”

“The field of neuroscience now proves the brain-health benefits of singing and the vital social connections that result for our members. Above all, it challenges the isolating stigma of dementia and celebrates the boundless joy, healing, and hope that is created with every song sung.” –Cathy Reitz, executive director of the Stand in the Light Memory Choir

What Lisa didn't know prior to approaching Cathy with the idea to create a local choir for those affected by dementia, was that Cathy was also a long-distance caregiver for her sister, Christy, who had dementia.

Upon meeting with Lisa and hearing the ask, Cathy immediately said “no.”

Then, the duo watched a video of a Minneapolis, Minn. choir with a similar mission. Tears flowed, Cathy recalled, and Lisa slid her a box of Kleenex. Cathy agreed to visit Minneapolis and learn more about that choir. 

“When I got back, I said, ‘When can we start?’ And that was it,” Cathy said.

On Nov. 10, 2016, the Stand in the Light Memory Choir of Eau Claire held its first concert. The rest, as they say, is history.

Stand in the Light Memory Choir spans those community members who have been impacted by memory change – over 80 members strong. (Submitted photo)

On Nov. 19, two performances from the local choir will be held in celebration of the group's 10-year anniversary. Tickets are $5-$15 and can be purchased online or at the door. (Submitted photo)

The choir's forthcoming fall concert will celebrate its first decade of “music speaking, when words fail” on Thursday, Nov. 19, with two shows – the first at 10am, the other at 6:30pm – at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd (1120 Cedar St., Eau Claire).

Tickets are $15 for general admission; $5 for students; available to purchase online via www.standinthelightmemorychoir.org or at the door.

Artistic Musical Director Dr. Christopher G. McGinley said he went through the group's past decade of performances and selected a song from each year to prepare for this fall's anniversary concert.

Attendees can expect a mix of fast and slow numbers from different decades, spanning popular music, folk songs, Broadway tunes and traditional choral music, McGinley shared.

"With Jubilant Song" will be given to every current member of the choir this fall. The project has been supported via grant funding and will be sold at local bookstores, events and online. In the future, with the help of grants, the group plans to distribute the book throughout the community at churches, medical facilities and civic organizations. 

To further commemorate the 10-year milestone, the choir's volunteers will create a book with photos and words to tell the story of Stand in the Light Memory Choir, its unique origins and development. 

From its humble beginnings and community performances to navigating the pandemic via technology.

Created by a core group of six volunteers alongside board member Terre Sullivan and Cathy, local publisher Inner Peace Press will produce the book, entitled With Jubilant Song.

With Jubilant Song will be given to every current member of the choir this fall. The project has been supported via grant funding and will be sold at local bookstores, events and online. In the future, with the help of grants, the group plans to distribute the book throughout the community at churches, medical facilities and civic organizations. 

Cathy, who has become an advocate of what she calls “mind your music,” said singing offers many benefits.

“The field of neuroscience now proves the brain-health benefits of singing and the vital social connections that result for our members,” she said. “Above all, it challenges the isolating stigma of dementia and celebrates the boundless joy, healing, and hope that is created with every song sung.”

Learn more about Stand in the Light Memory Choice at www.standinthelightmemorychoir.org and keep up with the group on Facebook. Contact can be made via email (standinthelightchoir@gmail.com) or phone (715) 210-4165.