How a Small-Town Choir Is Healing Hearts Through Music and Memory

In Granite Falls, a small-town choir is making a big difference for its members and audiences. The Building Bridges Choir, led by music director Jan Lerohl, brings together people facing memory loss, dementia, and Parkinson’s. Their weekly performances at care homes and veterans’ centres have become a source of comfort and connection. The choir meets every Thursday morning at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Their repertoire includes church hymns and patriotic songs, chosen to spark memories in listeners. Many members, like Danny Mooney, live with Parkinson’s or dementia, while others, such as his wife Rosalene, join as caregivers.

Jan Lerohl leads the group with a personal connection—his mother, a former choir member, passed away from dementia. The choir’s approach is simple: singing to stir memories and slow cognitive decline. Over the past decade, its numbers have more than doubled, reflecting its growing impact. For the Mooneys, singing together has become a way to reconnect. Danny finds joy in the music, and Rosalene sees how it helps him recall moments from their past. The choir’s bond runs deep, with members describing themselves as family. Their performances often earn standing ovations, but the real reward is the sense of belonging they create for one another.

The Building Bridges Choir continues to grow, offering both entertainment and emotional support. Their weekly sessions provide structure, companionship, and a way to fight memory loss through music. For those involved, the choir is more than a group—it’s a lifeline.