I conduct the Silvertones singing group in Greenwich. They are the chorus of the Greenwich Senior Center and the singers’ ages range somewhere between 65-95. I help this sprightly singing group to learn and perfect vocal music for community performances. I give them what I can from my toolbox of musical knowledge. Most days I am a one woman band . . . pianist, raconteur, music theory teacher, motivational coach, comedian and voice teacher. I spend a huge amount of energy keeping them informed and inspired with the power of music. Sometimes I marvel at where my energy for them comes from. All I can say is that they inspire me! Often I urge them to incorporate movement with their music making and it is then that they are at their best. They remember the days when the Foxtrot was king and big bands were smooth. Their sense of moving to the music is instinctual and it helps their old bones and stiff joints conjure up the flexibility of youth again.
My experience of conducting the Silvertones is that of loving care. On a good day the experience is usually like herding kittens. On their bad days, the experience is like herding kittens. I mean no disrespect by this. There is a lovely cheekiness in sharing with them their earned disregard for schedules or boundary. But their discipline for whatever they are studying is admirable. And with all the classes and workshops at Greenwich's well-run Senior Center there are plenty of options to engage their interests. They seem to be endlessly busy pursuing knowledge and loving the focused energy it takes.
From the first day that they heard that an "opera singer" was going to take over conducting them, they have treated me with respect and integrity. When they found that they could trust the fact that I would not treat them like children, the respect became dedication to raising their performing potential. The pride they bring to their performances and their intent to sing as much as they can in the community always touches me. Their earnest thank you’s after each rehearsal really tell me "You're OK, Kiddo." I happily try to give them as much information about singing that I can.
And here is what they give me: They teach me the importance of graceful aging. They reveal their testament to life by asking questions that show they are not afraid of anything anymore. They want to laugh first and put tears behind them. When we go to nursing homes to perform, they remind me that there are individuals living there that used to sing with us. We always say “hello” to them first to let them know that they are still singing with us in our hearts. They teach me how to be brave. They are my kids. (Though I know that they think of me as their "kid.”) Many are fragile in body but rich in soul. They won't hesitate in telling me when they don't like one of the songs that I choose for them. They don't have time to hesitate anymore. When I think of them, I imagine each and every "kid" with freckles splashed all over their faces asking "Well, what are we going to sing now?" I'm going to stick around this group. I like their energy. It's fun herding kittens . . . they are all soft, some come in different colors and patterns and they are all fluffy.
The Silvertones are happy to be performing at the Town Hall this Wednesday at 1 PM for the Conference on Aging.
