American House and the DSO Expand Program for Local Seniors

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and American House Senior Living Communities are teaming up in 2013 to bring DSO music to thousands of Metro Detroit seniors, including many in the Birmingham area.

The DSO will be sending individual musicians and small ensembles to more than 20 American House locations throughout Metro Detroit, a recent press release said, as part of its Neighborhood Residency Initaitive.

Launched in 2011, the Neighborhood Residency Initiative combines orchestra concerts and chamber music with educational and social service partnerships and senior engagement programs.

In 2012, the DSO piloted the program at several concerts throughout Metro Detroit, including concerts at the Seligman Performing Arts Center in Beverly Hills and at Kirk in the Hills Presbyterian Church in Bloomfield Hills.

In 2013, the DSO plans to expand this program to American House communities, with the hopes of reaching 1,000 senior citizens and their families who otherwise "might not be able to experience live classical music."

“We’re committed to enriching the lives of our senior citizens throughout the area,” said Rob Gillette, Chief Operating Officer of the Bloomfield Township-based American House. “Countless studies have shown the benefits of both music and a rich social life in older adults. We are confident this partnership will prove beneficial for both our seniors and the DSO musicians themselves.”

The partnership between American House and the DSO is part of the American House life enrichment program.

“At American House residences, we are able to deeply engage with music lovers that are unable to travel to performances,” said Kareem George, the DSO's managing director of community programs.

“Our musicians are making personal connections with former decades-long subscribers as well as seniors new to classical music," she added. "We are so thankful to American House Senior Living Communities for this opportunity to provide a special service to our seniors.”

In 2013, in addition to the small ensemble performances, DSO musicians will also participate in "Inspiration Days," in which American House residents learn about the musicians' professional history, ask questions and hear demonstrations of each instrument.

American House communities can be found at:

• 5859 W. Maple Rd. in West Bloomfield
• 4460 Orchard Lake Rd. in West Bloomfield
• 2300 Grand Haven Dr. in Troy
• 1900 N Washington Ave. in Royal Oak

For more information about the partnership or current performance schedule, visit www.americanhouse.com, www.dso.org or call 248-203-1800.