Creating joy and connection through song
Music is an integral part of the fabric of Bluestem Communities. Whether it’s musicians from the wider community performing their music as a special treat at one the campuses’ venues, residents participating in a sing-a-long, Bluestem PACE participants singing along to favorites of decades past at the day center, or hymn sings during midweek worship, music can often be heard emanating from each campus.
On Wednesday afternoons at Schowalter Villa, the music you hear could be the Schowalter Singers, a mixed vocal ensemble of resident and community life-long singers enjoying a life-giving activity.
“There are so many people who live here who have been singing most of their lives, so to continue to have that outlet even in retirement is really special,” said Leland Flickinger, director of the Schowalter Singers.
Flickinger, who is also a Schowalter Villa independent living resident, was instrumental in starting the Schowalter Singers in mid-2022. Having conducted high school, college and church choirs across the country, and even overseas in Germany, for the entirety of his professional career, he was well-versed in launching and leading a choir. He’s delighted to be leading his peers in this venture as well.
“For years, Schowalter Villa had a Men’s Chorus and a Women’s Chorus, but – as far as my memory goes – never a mixed choir like this,” Flickinger said. “As with other things, COVID-19 took its toll, and when we were ready to reconvene our choirs, neither group had the number of singers it needed, so we decided to combine. It’s been a wonderful experience.”
“I love being part of the Schowalter Singers,” said Sharon Schrag, an independent living resident who has been part of choirs and other musical endeavors for much of her life. “It’s kind of my jam. I appreciate that Leland finds new music that allows us to perform a variety.”
The group rehearses weekly, performs occasionally in local communities, and has larger concerts showcasing their repertoire three times a year. This fall, they are preparing for a concert that will incorporate familiar hymn arrangements, spirituals and choral pieces that explore “Our Journey to Heaven.”
“This senior choir is surprising,” Flickinger said. “Our average age is more than 80 years old. You don’t expect this kind of sound out of 80-year-olds. I am also surprised that they learn their music as quickly as they do. I suppose it’s what comes out of working with people with so much singing experience. It’s wonderful.”
Catch the Schowalter Singers fall concert on Sunday, September 8, at 7 p.m., at Whitestone Mennonite Church in Hesston, or Wednesday, September 11, at 3 p.m., at the Schowalter Villa Chapel.