One recent afternoon, a little-known musical debut occurred at The Edward King House Senior Center in Newport. It featured a new maestro of sorts and a most unusual orchestra–made up of a human keyboard, if you will. The conductor, 25-year-old Lauren Ceres of Newport, made her debut as an apprentice to Heidi List Murphy, founder of The List Academy of Music and the visionary behind CHIME (Cognitive Health Interactive Music Ensemble), an ensemble rooted in human connection.
What made this unusual orchestral event shine is that the power of each musical note, summoned by the conductor, was powered by a human percussion team–members of the Edward King House themselves.
“CHIME makes it possible for those with cognitive impairment to perform right away,” Ceres explained. “But with the Edward King House, we were working with active older adults who were very excited to be a part of it.”
According to Heidi List Murphy, they decided to stretch the reach of CHIME to see what it would be like to add piano accompaniment and singing.
“The members came to rehearsal and we found that we just had fun! Each member was assigned a note and coordinating the music and singing took some trial and error. For me, I began to feel what it was like to be a conductor, but it was the energy from the members–and later the audience–where I could see it come together. We created a moment in time that mattered for us and the community,” Ceres said.
Maria Von Trapp is attributed to saying “Music acts like a magic key, to which the most tightly closed hearts open.”
And it is with an open heart that Ceres studied music at Bard College where she followed a non-conventional path in her musical journey. Through CHIME, she discovered that an open heart can be found through music at any age.
“I was really a hybrid–studying a mix of things from classical and jazz piano to voice, ensemble, and even joining a Georgian choir, which featured the music from the country of Georgia,” she said. “I came back to Rhode Island looking for something new. I began exploring music and the mind and how that can be therapeutic. I wanted to get more involved in this directionally and that’s when I was introduced to Heidi List Murphy and The List Academy of Music.”
Drawn in by her new mentor’s passion that music is medicine she knew she found something meaningful.
“I started to think more and more about the phrase music is medicine and realized, I believe in that. I was hooked by Heidi’s vision that everyone can be a musician and her advocacy to make music inclusive, safe and available to all. I was hired as List Academy of Music’s Executive Assistant and quickly discovered that their approach to music aligned perfectly with my evolving path.”
“Through CHIME, I found a new element to my ongoing work because I discovered that music helps people disconnect from challenges they face at all ages, if only for a moment. There is loneliness that can come at any age and through musical connection, loneliness disappears and there is a magic that comes to those who open up to experience it.”
Training involved observation and human connection.
“During a CHIME ensemble at the Veterans Home in Bristol, I was struck by how the veterans responded– their energy and joy for music”, she said. Not everyone has the same level and passion as we do, but when I saw how hands on it is–helping someone hold a chime, making eye contact, a touch on the shoulder–it all has meaning. This way to make others feel special…it’s something I wanted to be a part of.”
She recalls how people who entered the room quietly or with uncertainty and later left smiling. Some even sang the final song they performed together. “The experience was heartwarming and I discovered that Heidi has been leading this ensemble every Friday–for years.”
People of all ages need to feel seen, feel heard, and feel like they matter. When asked “What do you hope people take away from the CHIME experience, whether they are holding a chime or just listening?” List Murphy replied: “In music and in life we need all the notes. You, I, we–we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. And music is a key to togetherness.”
And for a moment in time, at a simple debut, without fanfare, something bigger than us all truly happened.
Founded by Heidi List Murphy, List Academy of Music is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit bringing people together through the healing power of music. Based on the vision that music is medicine, their programs create moments of joy, connection and belonging for people of all ages and abilities. To learn more or to support their mission visit listacademyofmusic.org.
Helen Hames is a Certified Senior Advisor and the Founder of Age Ambassador. She helps families across Rhode Island navigate the complex decisions that come with growing older–whether that means staying safely at home or transitioning to senior living. With deep expertise and a personal approach, Helen believes that what matters most to each person should always guide the path forward. Learn more at AgeAmbassador.com.