Upon arriving at Tennessee State Veterans Home in Murfreesboro we are reminded of their mission: “Proudly Serving Those Who Served”. As Music for Seniors is invited to serve our veterans each week with our live music Outreach programs, we do so with gratitude and respect.  

Staff members at the Tennessee State Veterans Home like Angela Pitts, the Director of Activities of Programs, are committed to provide exceptional care and support to those who honorably served our country, as well as their families. Music for Seniors sees it as an honor and privilege to serve our sometimes-forgotten heroes and light up their lives on a regular basis with live music.  

After our Veterans Day celebration this past November, Ms. Pitts told us:  “We are so grateful to get the privilege of having Music for Seniors visit us each week. Everyone is always smiling and pleasant after the great programs that are brought to us.”  

While Music for Seniors’ focus is to ‘light up lives’ of the veterans who call the Veterans Home their home, seeing staff members dance and sing with the residents reminds us of the powerful impact music brings –  strengthening bonds and relationships between people and fostering a healthier, caring space for our veteran residents. Ms. Pitts added “The music puts a smile on the faces of everyone in the room, from residents to staff.” 

One of our Musician Partners, saxophonist and vocalist Daniel Backe, served six years as a bandsman in both the Mississippi and Tennessee National Guard Bands and speaks to the “blessing” he feels to be able to work with the Tennessee State Veterans Home residents and staff.

“I walk into a clean activity center and play jazz standards and the group is always supportive and receptive of the music. I have met so many beautiful people while performing there and hope to continue making friends with the returning veterans, especially ones like my good buddy, Ralph. He always sits front and center and is one of my biggest supporters when I return to the Veterans Home. These folks are the kindest and genuine human beings I have performed for as a musician.” 

Our programs are designed to create meaningful connections between our Musician Partners and the older adults we serve. As Steve Stern, another one of our committed Musician Partners, reiterated after our recent program on Veterans Day, “It was honor and joy to share our program – making a joyful noise, sharing some Patriotic tunes and All-American songs, we felt and returned the love”. 

For 15 years, Music for Seniors has connected area musicians with older adults through live and interactive music programs designed to engage, entertain and educate seniors – promoting health and wellbeing, reducing isolation and enriching the lives of all participants. 

We can only grow and build momentum with your help and support – donate today.