Ringing in the Season: Spotlight on Our Bell Choir at Heritage Communities

The holidays are a busy, fun time in senior living! Across our communities, families and groups are getting ready to celebrate with their families and their Heritage family. We’re glad to share a story from Orchard Pointe at Terrazza (a Heritage Community) that really shows what Living Better together looks like. It’s about the wonderful bell choir program, led by our music and life enrichment coordinator, Laura.

The Journey of the Bell Choir

The bell choir has grown from a small group into a true ensemble. When Laura joined Orchard Point six years ago, the group already existed in a simple form… residents played handbells using DVDs and basic cues. Laura brought her own high-school handbell experience with her (she even toured Japan and Korea!), and the choir took off from there.

Now, instead of DVDs, the group uses large color-coded music sheets. This makes the music easy to follow, even for people who haven’t read music before.

Laura finds accompaniment tracks on YouTube and adjusts the speed so everyone can practice at a comfortable pace. They often start at 75% and work up to full speed or a little faster.

The choir has grown to about 15 residents. With two people on each note, the music keeps moving even if someone misses a beat.

And, they match! The bell choir wears custom red T-shirts with white bell graphics when they perform. It’s a small thing, but it helps them feel like a team. The group performs at Orchard Point Terrazza (and other Orchard Pointe communities around the Phoenix area) for events like Veterans Day and Christmas, and they’ve also played at nearby communities and an elementary school.

One of the most rewarding things, Laura says, is when someone comes up after a concert and says, 

“I’d like to try joining the choir.” 

Moments like that show how one performance can spark confidence and bring new people in.

Why it Matters for Living Better

This program isn’t just a holiday activity, either – it’s year-round! It’s a chance for residents to stay engaged – mentally, socially, and emotionally. Music programs in senior living have been shown to support brain health, mood, and connection.

1. Cognitive exercise

Playing bells takes focus, timing, coordination, and memory. Many of our residents say they feel old musical skills waking up again. Others are learning from scratch and enjoying the challenge of new rhythms and songs.

2. Social engagement and community

Making music together builds connection. Members chat over lunch, look forward to rehearsals, and support each other as they prepare for concerts. Some residents come just to listen because being part of the group still matters.

3. Emotional lift and purpose

Performing as a group – wearing matching shirts, ringing bells together – gives residents a real sense of pride. After a concert, you can see how much it means to them. That feeling of accomplishment carries over into everyday life.

4. Lifelong learning and adventure

We believe in “Always Learning,” and this choir makes that real. Residents try new songs, push themselves a little at a time, and take on more challenging pieces as they grow. It keeps minds active and the experience enjoyable.

The Holiday Concert and What’s Next

This season, the bell choir will perform holiday favorites and maybe a few surprises. They’ll play for residents, staff, and guests… sharing a bit of joy and warmth.

Looking ahead, the group is thinking about new possibilities: performing at a local mall, visiting more communities, and maybe teaming up with younger musicians. These ideas remind us that age doesn’t limit what someone can try.

Find an Active Community That’s Right for You

Orchard Pointe at Terrazza is just one of our communities, and the bell choir is just one of many activities our residents love. If you’re ready to have a conversation (for yourself or a loved one) about senior living – or simply want to explore what’s possible – reach out to us and let’s chat!