5280+ Encore Chorale

A nonprofit organization

Your generous gifts support our mission of extending the mental, physical, social, and emotional benefits of choral singing to adults age 55 or BETTER! Whether buying music, renting performance space, providing scholarships, or paying bills, your contributions make our community impact possible.

Testimonials

"I have been a member of the Highlands Ranch Encore Chorale since its inception and I can't begin to tell you the void that it has filled in my life. Not too long before I joined, I lost a member of my family. She was my best friend, my roomy, and above all my mom. Needless to say, the hole left in my heart cannot be explained. I was really numb and very depressed until I joined this wonderful group of people. It has literally changed my life. Music awakens the heart and soul and puts such joy and peace into the empty spaces. So now I sing for my mom and am so blessed to have found this group and this instrument of joy. I would encourage anyone who can sing a note to join the chorus and experience and share the same happiness that music brings to life." - S.H.

"I wanted to be sure to let you know how much I absolutely loved singing with you this past semester. After class, I would be so relaxed and always had so much fun. You are both such an incredible gift to all of us for many reasons. Thanks so much for sharing yourselves so generously. You're the BEST!" - K.T.

"THANK YOU, for brightening up my days and my life, through your leadership of 5280+ Encore. When I left my (church) choir 3 years ago after being in it for 30 years, I thought my singing days were over. This group is exactly what I needed to "make me feel young" again, and the group is everything you said it is." T.T.

"I have once again discovered the joy of singing with others. I look forward to our rehearsals each week and leave with a smile and a warmth in my heart I've not felt for a long time. Thank you for all you do to make this choral experience a true gift to those of us who participate. It is a real honor and pleasure to work with you." - B.W.

"Our experience with Encore has enriched our lives more than we ever imagined. The joy of singing with like-minded individuals and being led by consummate musicians like you both make every Monday special for us. Thank you for being such an important and delightful part of our lives." - J.W.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you've done to make 5280+ Encore Chorale a reality! I love it and am having such fun!! I didn't know how much I was missing singing. After having been in the audience for years with kids' concerts and performances, it really feels good to be "on stage" myself and getting such joy out of singing!" - J.P.

"I don't know how to express how much joy you have brought to me with the choir. Today's concert was a wonderful culmination to a process filled with happiness. It has been great fun, thank you both!" - R.G.

"I want to thank you both for the wonderful experience I had singing with the Encore Chorale this spring!! I appreciate all your hard work and effort toward this community outreach program of choral singing for older adults. It helped me feel vibrant and part of a supportive community which shares an interest in music and aging well." - K.V.

"No amount of money or gifts could reward you for what you have given us - joy, laughter and a feeling like we are still important to our community and to our friends and children during performances." - S.S.

"Thanks for all the fun we have singing with the 5280+ Encore Chorale. The Chorale brings lots of joy to those who sing and those who listen." M.B.

Mission

5280+ Encore Chorale exists to provide the significant social, emotional, mental, and physical benefits of choral singing for older adults.

Background Statement

Colorado's 5280+ Encore Chorale, consisting of the Highlands Ranch and South Suburban Encore Chorales, was founded in 2014 by music colleagues Cindy Runkel and Brian Leatherman as an affiliate of the Maryland-based Encore Creativity for Older Adults, whose mission is to offer choral programs to adults over the age of 55, an underserved population in the arts. These non-auditioned, daytime chorales advance the mission of Encore Creativity by emphasizing the social, emotional, physical, and mental health benefits of singing. The benefits are well-documented, showing that regular participation in arts programs improves overall health, leads to fewer doctor visits and less medication usage, results in positive mental health responses, and positively impacts the ability to maintain independence, reducing risk factors leading to long-term care. 5280+ Encore Chorale also provides a creative community with a supportive social and emotional network, an issue often problematic for older adults.

Membership in 5280+ Encore Chorale is designed to remove obstacles of participation. Financial assistance is available to singers to help cover membership and music expenses. Ensembles are non-auditioned and all ability levels are welcome and encouraged to join, whether they have sung in choral groups previously, only in the shower, or not at all. Additionally, all performances are open to the public and free to attend, and take place at churches and community centers across the Denver metro area.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

5280+ Encore Chorale

Year Established

2014

Tax id (EIN)

47-2632950

Category

Arts, Culture & Humanities

Address

558 E. Castle Pines Pkwy Ste B4-365
Castle Pines, CO 80108

Service areas

Douglas County, CO, US

Phone

720-255-1860

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