AC TIVITI ES
MelloMacs Challenge Their Minds with Song
M
embers of the MelloMacs enthusi- astically explain what they get out of their time spent performing with choir friends. They report that they leave every performance or rehearsal with a smile on their face and in their hearts. They say that having a once-a-week (September through May, with a long break for the holidays) excuse to get together with friends is a wonderful “obligation.” They talk about how nice it is to have a group of friends to go with to the Sports Pub after rehearsals. MelloMacs love the community service, in a service choir that brings joy to hospi- tals, retirement centers, nursing homes, and of course, MAC events. They say that learning harmony parts for Broadway show tunes and beloved standards is an incred- ibly fun way to sharpen the mind. Researchers agree that challenging the mind is crucial as people age. Greg Jicha, MD, a neurologist at University of Kentucky in Lexington who researches the link between brain activities and memory loss, argues that to combat age- related memory loss, people must focus
on activities that challenge the mind, thus stimulating and rewiring the brain. Activities like singing, reading, playing games, and doing puzzles help brain cells to flourish.
But he advises against just “doing the same old thing.” Trying new activities seems to help stimulate the brain the most. Jicha’s and other contemporary research points to the importance of mental exer- cise for good cognitive health. The book Bowling Alone argues that people who volunteer and are members of strong social groups (like choirs and bowling leagues) live longer and more contented lives. Contrarily, isolation and lack of social support networks leads to depression, poor quality of life, and short- ened life spans.
MelloMacs members (who enjoy the trifecta of volunteering; a stimulating cognitive challenge; and an excellent social outlet in one evening per week) need no convincing. They know that picking up a new piece of music and learning their line of notes (soprano, alto, tenor or bass)
Balladeers Shine at Major Gigs
he MAC Balladeers pulled out all the stops at two major performances recently, and the consensus is that they sounded pretty darn good. The first was the anniversary concert at MAC in late January, commemorating 70 years of singing and 35 years of Roger Doyle’s association with the group. Two hundred and fifty chairs were set up in the MAC Ballroom for the Sunday afternoon concert. This concert was bittersweet for the singers, as it marked Doyle’s retirement and elevation to director emeritus. Doug Cooley, a protégé of Doyle’s, was asked to take over as acting director, duties he has assumed with vigor and imagination. He prepared the Balladeers well for the third annual Brothers Sing On concert at University of Portland in March. The Balladeers were privileged to join with the University Singers and the Male Ensemble from the Vancouver School of Arts and Academics in a concert of all-male voices. In addition to their individual numbers, all groups formed a combined choir to close out the show. Cooley, with a master of music in choral directing, is a veteran of music perfor- mance in the area, including considerable solo and ensemble work. He is also currently providing keyboard and vocal work with the local classic rock band Raindriver. More gigs are forthcoming, and more singers are welcome. Rehearsals are held every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the Activities Room on the third floor, September through May. For more information, contact Member Services at 503-517-7269.
T –Spencer Snow WM
Doug Cooley leads the Balladeers in song. MAY 2011 | The Wınged M | 31
can be challenging. But doing it with friends and a patient coach (Director Gus Pappelis) makes it much more achiev- able. And the end result, with the choir sounding so lovely on a song recently perfected, is a nice reward for the hard work. A pep to the step from delightful camaraderie and a brain firing nicely along are other rewards. To improve cognitive health with song, join the MelloMacs Mondays from 7- 8:30 p.m.
For more information on the MelloMacs, call Member Services at 503-517-7265 or go to
theMAC.com. –Tracy Prince WM
New Director Needed
he Balladeers, a men’s choral ensemble of Multnomah Athletic Club, is searching for a new choral director to lead its scheduled rehearsals and performances.
T
The Balladeers have been singing since 1941 at MAC functions as well as at retirement homes and for civic clubs. The director position is compen- sated through a MAC social courtesy membership.
For more information and a job description, contact Abby DenUyl in Member Services at 503-517-7269. WM
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