I founded Sharim, a TBE group that brings joy and love to residents of senior living centers through song. Our 25 members sing show tunes and popular music from long ago. My goal is to join with other TBE members who love to sing to reach those who may not remember many important things in their life, but can still relate to the music from when they were young. We find it very rewarding to see residents light up and clap or sing with us when they hear a familiar tune.

Our musical director is Nick Page, a Boston-based composer, conductor, and author who is best known for his song leading. Since 1990, he has led Boston’s Mystic Chorale and has guest conducted around the world including at three of the four Carnegie Halls (Pittsburgh, New York, and Scotland). His choral works have premiered everywhere from Lincoln Center to local venues.

We sing Sunday afternoons about once a month. So far this year, we’ve sung at Golda Meir House, NewBridge on the Charles, and Coleman House. We’d welcome suggestions of additional senior living centers where we can share this wonderful way of supporting those advanced in years and bound to where they live. Each gig includes one hour of rehearsal and one hour of performance.

Sharim is exploring a trip to Israel next year to sing at senior living centers there. The trip would include visits to music schools and institutions, singing along with local Israeli choral groups and visits to historical sites.

I encourage everyone to join us as a member of Sharim. There’s no auditioning, just a desire to share your feelings through song.