Retirement and the Professional Choral Director: We Never Get too Old to Make a Difference

The February 2024 issue of Choral Journal is online and features an article titled “We Never Get too Old to Make a Difference” by R Wayne Bailey. Following is a portion from the article. This is part of our series of columns on Retirement and the Professional Choral Director.
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Remember, all of us need a purpose. Specifically in our later years, we still have much to offer. The older folks who sing with us also need a purpose in life, and the small opportunity this gives them might be exactly what they need. As one of my senior friends shared with me with a twinkle in his eye, “We ain’t dead yet.” My friend Nola Frink, who was the legendary administrative assistant and choral administrator for Robert Shaw, found the time to lead periodic hymn sing opportunities at a local nursing home in Atlanta. She dearly loved doing this, and the feeling was mutual from her singers.

Last Christmas, a dear friend of mine who led a choir in a local senior living community asked me to sing with her choir in their holiday concerts. The group was very accepting of my participation, and they rehearsed with enthusiasm each week. Opening night was soon upon us, and our singers were there on time dressed in their performance attire. The excitement could be seen on the faces of each singer. Their concerts were a joy, and the choir sang for two full houses. A great experience was had by all.

Remember, we are all walking libraries of knowledge and experiences. What can we do to take advantage of those experiences? What can we do to help other retirees who might be having the same questions?

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Read the full article in the February 2024 issue of Choral Journal. acda.org/choraljournal