Plymouth Rockers Embrace Singing in Golden Years
The Plymouth Rockers are a chorus made entirely of people age 55 and older. Their mission is simple: enrich the lives of themselves and others through music.
“This group performs a lot for the community, and that was important to me,” said Rebecca Stueland, the group’s vice president.
In a choir, everyone’s voice is vital. This group is not exclusive: no auditions are required. They perform a wide variety of tunes with this season’s focus now on holiday music.
Rebecca Stueland rehearses with the choir during their regular Monday meeting.
Stueland said she joined in 2019 because she was hoping to sing with a group. It was a bonus that the Rockers had daytime practices. She said she gained even more from it.
“I’ve found three friends!” Stueland exclaimed. “We formed a quartet. So, that’s fun, too.”
From the stage of the Black Box Theatre in the Plymouth Community Center, Jim Anderson directs the group of about 70. He said this is the largest choir he’s ever led. Before taking the director position, he was an accompanist for eight years.
“I really value the idea of singing into your senior years,” Anderson said.
Staying Sharp
Anderson’s goal as director is to keep the choir sharp and bring them together. Choir members are encouraged to learn the music and stay engaged. Anderson also said another goal of his is not to make the choir “sound like old people.” He said it’s possible for a senior chorus to sound as sharp as a 20-year-old vocalist.
“That’s our goal. When people close their eyes, they won’t see a bunch of gray hairs,” Anderson explained.
Jim Anderson directs the choir in the Black Box Theatre.
Club President Don Fernstrom found a place for himself when he joined a few years ago.
“It was a renaissance in my life,” Fernstrom said. “I hadn’t sung in a choir since high school!”
He went from a tenor part in high school to bass today. Learning that has been incredible payoff for himself and those they sing to, he said.
The group performs for senior citizens, assisted living facilities, church groups and social groups. Those are called “sing-outs.” The Plymouth Rockers’ website said its fulfilling its “mission of bringing music for those who can’t go to concerts.” That work is fulfilling for Fernstrom.
“Come to one of our ‘sing-outs,’ and watch the impact our music has on those in the audience,” Fernstrom said. “I guarantee you’re going to be moved by the experience.”
Supporting the Singers
Outside of their sing-out performances, the group also holds two large-scale concerts a year at Wayzata High School. The next concert is on Saturday, Dec. 7. It’s free and starts at 3 p.m. in the auditorium. There will be an opportunity for people to donate there.
More details about the club and their concerts are available on the Plymouth Rockers website.
Members of the club are for the most part volunteer. The director and the accompanist are compensated for their time. As a nonprofit, the group seeks support from donors.
This is the group’s first year taking part in “Give to the Max Day,” coming up on Thursday, Nov. 21. If you’re interested in donating, the group has a page on the Give to the Max website.
