When is the last time you sang in a group? Have you ever worked with others to bring a piece to life and present it in performance? Have you ever considered joining a community chorus? Let Beth Armstrong convince you that joining a community chorus is the RIGHT thing to do! In part two of my interview with Beth, she shares stories of the impact of music on the lives of individuals and communities. She also talks about the role of the community chorus within the larger community, how she knew it was time to retire, and who her favorite composers are. 

Topics in this episode include:

The role of a community chorus within the larger community; Music helps people process emotional events and feel all the feelings; Music marks important moments in the lives of individuals and communities; Music cuts through cultural barriers; The primal sound of a mother's voice; Music is not an intellectual experience; Remembering the people we make music with, more than the music itself; How to know it's time to retire; Choosing music for concerts; Aaron Copland; Leonard Bernstein; Stephen Sondheim; Singing in groups is the #1 way Americans participate in the arts.

Beth Armstrong has been singing from a very young age and participated in choruses from her teens into adulthood, singing in prestigious groups such as the Concord Chorale and The Providence Singers. While living in New Hampshire, she founded the women's group femme m'amie, directed the Suncook Valley Chorale, and taught public school music for twelve years. She currently directs the Chorus of East Providence, is the interim music director at her church, and is finishing up her 20th, and final, year as director of The Greater Tiverton Community Chorus. She is currently working on a book of memoirs.

Beth directs the following choruses:

The Chorus of East Providence

The Greater Tiverton Community Chorus

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If you are a musician, ensemble, or organization that would like to share your project with us, or are a fan who would like to suggest one, click on the following link to apply to be on the show! https://forms.gle/pESRBh6ioHGLa78VA

When is the last time you sang in a group? Have you ever worked with others to bring a piece of music to life and present it in performance? Have you ever considered joining a community chorus? Let Beth Armstrong convince you that joining a community chorus is the RIGHT thing to do! In part one of my interview with Beth, she shares her own background in music, how she became a choral director, and some of the physiological and psychological benefits of singing in a group. Singing in a group truly has the power to heal!

Topics in this episode include:

The impact of early musical experiences; the magic of harmony; the importance of others' support and encouragement; can you do it?; changes in expectations and credentials; imposter syndrome; being self-critical and chasing perfection; comparing ourselves to the false ideal of "perfect" (edited) recordings; the physiological and psychological benefits of singing in a group; Robert Shaw; collaborative creating; how singing makes us all like each other more; taking the first step of being vulnerable; being in the people business, not the music business; the amazing experiences that come with participating in music; singing with Carole King. 

Beth Armstrong has been singing from a very young age and participated in choruses from her teens into adulthood, participating in prestigous groups such as the Concord Chorale and The Providence Singers. While living in New Hampshire, she founded the women's group, Femme-a-me, directed the Suncook Valley Chorale, and taught public school music for twelve years. She currently directs the Chorus of East Providence, is the interim music director at her church, and is finishing up her 20th, and final year, as the director of The Greater Tiverton Community Chorus. She is currently working on a book of memoirs. 

You can find the choruses here:

The Chorus of East Providence 

The Greater Tiverton Community Chorus

Be sure to subscribe to The Musicking Community Podcast so you never miss an episode!

If you are a musician or ensemble who would like to share your story on The Musicking Community Podcast, apply to be on the show by filling out this form: https://forms.gle/pESRBh6ioHGLa78VA

As "Senior Venue" performance specialists, Judy Hall Gray and John Savage perform at nursing homes, memory care units, assisted living homes, and other long-term care facilities. They share poignant and funny stories about how music can provide powerful and meaningful experiences for those living in the facilities and build community among those who are often cut off from the larger community beyond the walls.

Topics in this episode include: The types of musical servies that can be provided in long-term care facilities; Getting put on the spot; Working around COVID restrictions; Providing connection during a time of isolation; Theme shows; Bob Dylan, Elvis, and The Grateful Dead; Popular music defines generations; The importance of lifting spirits; Music provides both escape and connection; Meeting the needs of the facility and the people who live there; Having a gimmick; How music can provide a very personal connection; Giving the gift of live music to people who cannot leave their beds; Versatility and variety are necessary; You never know what you're going to get; Breaking past the wall; Letting people know they are seen; How music contributes to the health of a community

Judy Hall Gray, "Songbird" Judy (guitar/vocals) has virtually been singing since she learned to talk, thanks to her mother playing records daily on the family stereo. She has performed over the years in various bands and clubs in South Florida, Connecticut and Rhode Island and has been performing for over thirty-five years in Senior care facilities where she is a popular favorite. Her programs can be a complete variety or tailored to specific themes (Patriotic, Irish, Country/Western, Christian/Hymns, Christmas, Show Tunes, Seasons, etc.) Some themes are costumed. She is available weedays (morning, afternoon, or evening) and occasionally on weekends for special occasions. Oldies (50's, 60's, 70's) programs are also available for the duo "Legacy" consisting of Judy and her musical partner, John Savage (also on guitar and vocals.) Judy and John have been working together since 2019 and have a wide repertoire of great songs for your enjoyment!

John Savage is a lifelong musician with an exapnsive range of influences. He studied classical guitar with Daniel Salazar at the University of Rhode Island, and he also honed his chops in rock bands, jazz bands, orchestra pits, and in solo performances. He performs with singer/guitarist Judy Hall Gray in the duo "Legacy," and he performs as a solo artist in Assisted Living and Memory Care Units throughout Rhode Island and Southern Connecticut. He also serves as the pastor of the Carolina Free Baptist Church in Carolina, RI. He and his wife, Heather, live in Wood River Junction, and they have raised two children together. 

To book Judy and/or John, you can reach them by phone:

Judy Hall Gray: (401)742-5575

John Savage: (401)489-4656

You can also find Judy on Facebook here: Songbird Judy Hall