JANUARY 2024
PPH Choir brings the gift of song to the community At PPH, whether it’s at Chapel Services, patriotic holidays, talent shows or Life Enrichment activities, our residents love to showcase their vocal talents through song. At the beginning of last summer, the residents of Gateway Manor began to discuss forming a choir for the PPH Talent Show. Instead of solo acts, they’d come together as one group. But there was one question — who was going to lead it? “If nobody steps forward, I’ll do it,” Carol Feeley said. The group went on to have a successful performance at the Talent Show, and enthusiasm began to grow. They decided they’d stick together, opened to Alpha and Lawndale Manor residents, and Carol stayed on as Choir Director. The PPH choir’s first official performance was at the community’s Thanksgiving Eve service, followed by a Holiday Show on Dec. 8, to a full audience of residents. The show’s setlist consisted of classics such as “Winter Wonderland,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Jingle Bells” and more.
There are about 30 PPH residents in the choir — they hope to bring in even more, particularly male members to help increase opportunities for bass vocals.
Giving a gift
Carol isn’t new to choirs – she was in a children’s choir at her Cheltenham church, as well as junior, youth and adult choirs. She always paid great attention to the detail of the choir directors’ actions and movements and felt she could translate her knowledge and experience to PPH’s choir. Carol also shared that singing is a hobby of hers. “I love to sing — it makes me feel good,” Carol said. During rehearsals, Carol emphasizes that members enjoy them-
selves, but explains the importance of paying attention to ensure that the entire choir is on the same page by showtime. “This is not a serious choir; we are here to have fun, as well as sing,” Carol said. “But when I say it’s time to be serious, we have to prepare and sing.” Carol credits Alpha Manor resident Joyce Kerstetter, a pianist who has lent her talents to PPH’s Chapel Services and talent shows over the years. “Joyce has been very patient with us. We’re often asking her to play at different paces and speeds,” Carol said, mentioning that the choir spent a lot of rehearsal time practicing “Deck the Halls” >>>Continued on page 7
In This Issue...
• PPH welcomes new CFO • New Guardian Angels • Holidays at PPH
6401 Martins Mill Road, Philadelphia PA • www.PPHFamily.org • 215.697.8000 Facebook.com/ThePhiladelphiaProtestantHome