November was Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and today we’re spotlighting a remarkable program using music to bring connection, joy, and well-being to those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The ENCORE Chorus at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester is an intergenerational chorus that brings together participants, caregivers, and community volunteers of all ages. Designed to spark memory, curiosity, and emotional connection, ENCORE blends familiar mid-1960s favorites with new songs that encourage learning and engagement. More than a sing-along, each rehearsal incorporates light movement, storytelling, and intentional moments that support cognitive, social, and emotional health. ENCORE is the first program of its kind in the U.S. offered through a community music school connected to a world-class conservatory and a major research medical center. Music Director of ENCORE Chorus, Erica Porter Smith and the program’s Founder and Program Director Michael Alan Anderson