RESIDENTS START WEEKLY MUSIC PROGRAM

Ruth Cogen and Dick Hall both share a passion for live music. Shortly after they moved into Ingleside at Rock Creek (IRC) with their respective families, they started a project that quickly took off and is promoting quality live music. Cogen, one of the founders of Levine Music in DC, was excited to leverage her connections and passion for classical music to enhance IRC’s musical offerings. “One of the first decisions we made was to have a program every week,” Hall said. “What we strive to provide is for residents to be able to stay within the community and easily attend a high-quality concert.”

The concerts feature a diverse lineup, from singers to violinists, pianists, and percussionists, encompassing classical, jazz, and various music styles. Musicians are drawn from across the region, including faculty from Levine Music and the Washington Conservatory of Music in DC, as well as solo artists and ensembles from other cities. The weekly events are highly popular, leading the Music Committee to initiate a sponsorship program. Sponsors contribute to the Westminster Ingleside Foundation to support musicians’ compensation and event promotion efforts.

WHAT MAKES THE PERFORMANCES BY THE MUSIC EDUCATION AND PROGRAMMING FUND SPECIAL?

Cogen: These are rising stars. We’re interacting with the performers and our audience is very knowledgeable, they love hearing what the musicians have to play. They talk about the technique and history behind what they’re playing. After the concert, people walk up to the stage, interact with them and the musicians say they like to play here as much as we love to hear them.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE REACTION OF GUESTS WHO HAVE ATTENDED?

Hall: One of my favorite quotes is from one resident who said that it brings to our community a ‘bounteous wealth of culture.’ And the outpouring of support has been incredible.

WHAT HAS STOOD OUT TO YOU AFTER THE FIRST YEAR OF THE PROGRAM?

Cogen: Research has been showing the importance of music in our everyday lives for brain and mental health for seniors and those over 50. We know that it has inspired some residents to pick up instruments again after not playing for years. IRC is set apart from many of the other senior communities because we have made this extraordinary commitment to music performance and musical education.

WHAT ROLE HAS MUSIC PLAYED IN YOUR LIFE?

Hall: I’ve always believed that music education is an important part of growing as a person and you can do that your whole life. What we strive to provide is for residents to be able to stay within the community and easily attend a high-quality concert. Our big challenge is that we know that we are as good as our last concert, so we always feel the pressure to keep the quality of music high.


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