“Music gives a soul to the
universe, wings to the mind,
flight to the imagination,
and life to everything.” — Plato

International Music Day is a global celebration of the power of music—its ability to bring people together, spark joy, and express culture, emotion, and history. It’s a day to honor music in all its forms and recognize the role music plays in our lives, communities, and well-being. It was started in 1975 by UNESCO and the International Music Council. It is now celebrated in over 150 countries with concerts, sing-alongs, and music appreciation events.

While music is one of the most popular forms of entertainment, it is also so much more. It stimulates memory and emotion, promotes relaxation and well-being, and builds social connections. Research has shown musical memories are often the last to fade in people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Music is processed in multiple areas of the brain, including those linked to emotion, movement, and long-term memory. While Alzheimer’s affects areas like language and short-term memory, the regions that store musical memory and rhythm can remain intact much longer.

There are several ways to experience and celebrate music here at Covenant Village.  

The Treble Makers visit weekly to offer group sessions and one-on-one lessons in the ARISE Health Center and Garden Wing.  

The Covenant Village Choir practices on the third Wednesday every month and performs at our Chapel services the following Friday.  They also packed the house for their first performance in August 2025.  

Resident Mrs. Mary Margaret Harrelson leads an activity called Name that Tune, where residents are tasked to listen to various musical selections and guess the song title…those who answer the most correctly win a prize!  

Our monthly socials have featured a wide range of talented musicians, from Soul and Blues artist Beth Gatlin to rising country star Bailey Marie.

Ethan Uslan joins us on the second Tuesday of each month, delighting audiences as he tickles the ivories with his incredible piano talent of familiar Standards.

Consider challenging yourself by learning a new instrument or a new song. Learning new skills or information strengthens neural pathways, helping keep the mind sharp. We have several residents and staff here at Covenant who have taken on the challenge of learning to play a new instrument, including one of our most seasoned residents, Dr. William Woody. Currently 104 years old, Dr. Woody began learning to play the piano at the age of 100.  If you’re lucky, you may catch him practicing on the piano in the Health Center Assembly Room.

At Covenant Village, music is more than entertainment—it’s a thread that weaves our community together, creating shared joy, memories, and connection. 

Amber Flowe, Assistant Director of Activities