Connecting Voices Chorus

Why Connecting Voices Chorus?

Read about the recent research that finds “Music helps patients with dementia connect with loved ones”

Paula Lammers, Artistic Director & Conductor

Paula Lammers has been teaching voice since 1991 and enjoys working with students of all ages.  She joined the MacPhail Music for Life department in 2016 after being recruited by Giving Voice Founding Artistic Director Jeanie Brindley-Barnett.  During her time working in MacPhail Music for Life, Paula has worked in a variety of settings.  She has led resident choirs at various senior living sites, including Lyngblomsten St. Paul and Friendship Village, where she worked alongside and was mentored by Jeanie Brindley-Barnett in adaptive choral conducting techniques.  At other partnership locations, Paula co-taught Side-by-Side intergenerational classes that brought together seniors and young children, encouraging interaction through music.  Drawing upon her knowledge of music from previous eras, and her ability to relate to people, Paula has worked in various partnership settings, serving people with memory impairment living in memory care settings and helping them engage in music in various ways.  Recently, Paula also led programming for the Minnetonka Memory Café.  Paula holds a bachelor’s degree from Gustavus Adolphus College and a master’s in Vocal Performance from the University of Minnesota.  She is an active professional singer who effectively melds classical training with subsequent years of experience singing in jazz ensembles and big bands. She met and became friends and colleagues with Lou Ann Henderson while singing together in the Phil Mattson Singers.  The two continue to collaborate professionally and look forward to working together to lead the MacPhail choirs in Minneapolis and Lino Lakes.  Paula will serve as the director for both choirs.

Lou Ann Henderson, Accompanist & Artistic Assistant

Lou Ann Henderson came to the MacPhail Music for Life™ program after teaching as an elementary music specialist for 33 years. She is passionate about bringing the joy of music to people of all ages. She loved her job working with young children and now finds joy in working with seniors.

Lou Ann is a singer, pianist, and trumpet player and currently sings with Shoop Jazz and the Stillwater Carolers. She is a former singer with The Minnesota Chorale, The Phil Mattson Singers, and The Zephyr Cabaret.

Lou Ann received a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Moorhead State University and a Master of Arts in Music Education from the University of St. Thomas. She is also the choir director and organist at The Grove United Methodist Church in Woodbury, MN.