At Richmont Village, music is doing far more than filling the halls — it’s building confidence, friendship, and a renewed sense of purpose among residents. And it all began with an 85-year-old woman rediscovering her lifelong love of music.
When Phyllis Bonds stepped up to sing “Summertime” during a community program last July, she never imagined the moment would change so many lives. She had joined her daughter and son-in-law to offer a bit of entertainment, but shortly after her performance, a resident approached her with a hopeful question: “We have many folks here who love to sing, but no director. Would you be that person?”
“I said yes,” Phyllis recalled. “And that was the beginning.”
Today, that simple yes has blossomed into the Village Voices, a resident-led choir that has quickly become one of the most spirited and meaningful programs at Richmont Village. Each week, residents gather for rehearsal, share laughter, learn new music, and continue building something special — together.
Bringing New Purpose to an Old Passion
Phyllis, who never expected to take on such a role in her eighties, approaches each rehearsal with the enthusiasm of a lifelong musician. “I felt excited that first day,” she said. “I hoped they would like my style and come in with no inhibitions. And they absolutely did!”
Her daughter, Erin Lowis, said the choir has energized Phyllis in ways she didn’t expect.
“She makes lesson plans now,” Erin said. “She designs vocal exercises, teaches rhythms on the whiteboard, and creates unique song arrangements tailored to each member. It gives her structure, creativity, and so much joy each week.”
The choir has chosen a name, assembled music folders, selected attire for performances, and even shared their music with the assisted living residents. With Christmas approaching, preparations are well underway for their first holiday concert.
“It feels like a team now,” Erin said. “A true community.”
Music That Connects
The impact of the choir extends well beyond musical notes.
Caitlin Rodiek, Executive Director of Richmont Senior Living, said the sense of community created by the Village Voices is impossible to miss. “We’ve seen increased engagement and social connection among residents,” Rodiek said. “Programs like this — especially arts programs that involve many residents — create space for creativity, growth, and meaningful relationships.”
The choir’s success also reflects the community’s mission. “Our goal is to make the ordinary extraordinary in senior housing,” Rodiek said. “A resident-directed choir does exactly that. It lets residents shine and share their gifts with their neighbors.”
Richmont Village staff support the choir by providing rehearsal space, setting up the community room each week, and helping store and organize donated music. “We look forward to the choir growing as we welcome new residents,” Rodiek said.
The Recruiter Behind the Voices
One choir member, Ruth Tussey, has played a major role in assembling the group. A lifelong singer — from church choirs to Bellevue Little Theatre productions — she had been searching for a director for years.
“When I heard Phyllis sing, I knew she was the one,” Ruth said.
Armed with her name tag and a warm smile, Ruth recruits members wherever she goes. “If I see someone in the halls, I ask if they sing,” she said. “If they do, I invite them to choir!”
She also organized a music library from donated pieces, helping the group build a foundation for the future. “I’ve made so many new friends through the choir,” she added. “It’s been such a blessing.”
Reaching Beyond Richmont Village
The Village Voices’ influence is already spreading. Erin said choir members have been invited to participate in upcoming community events, and some residents are eager to perform outside Richmont Village.
“One member is already bringing new songs to try and asking about singing elsewhere,” Erin said. “The positivity is spilling into the whole community.”
She believes the choir might even help reshape how people view senior living. “Moving into independent or assisted living can feel overwhelming,” Erin said. “Seeing something so vibrant — something residents have created together — might encourage others who are considering this next chapter.”
As for Phyllis, the joy is simple and heartfelt. “Singing has been one of the greatest joys of my life,” she said. “If I can help others find that happiness, I feel immensely rewarded.”
At Richmont Village, that happiness is now shared — one rehearsal, one friendship, one joyful voice at a time.
| Photographs by Laura Pedersen |
