Memory Choir Launched in Harlem for Dementia Patients

The Unforgettables held their first rehearsal to provide musical support for individuals living with dementia.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Alzheimer’s

Flat gouache-painted illustration of a wooden metronome and a musical note, symbolizing music therapy for dementia memory support. — The Unforgettables memory choir launched in Harlem this week, offering a new music therapy program to support individuals living with dementia. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Unforgettables memory choir held its inaugural rehearsal in Harlem to support people with dementia and their caregivers. This weekly program uses music therapy to improve the quality of life for those experiencing memory loss.

Why it matters

The initiative aims to address common challenges associated with dementia, including depressive symptoms and restlessness. Regular singing is intended to foster social connection and improve sleep outcomes for participants.

The program launch includes personal stories, such as one couple who has been married for 34 years. The effectiveness of this musical intervention compared to standard care remains under ongoing investigation.

The players

Terrance Kennedy

He is the director who leads the Unforgettables memory choir.

Cordell Cleare

She is a New York State Senator who launched the program as part of the Remembering Harlem initiative.

CaringKind

This organization is a partner that collaborated to launch the choir program.

CUNY Graduate School of Public Health

This educational institution serves as the weekly meeting site for the memory choir.

The details

Led by Terrance Kennedy, the choir meets weekly at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health to sing together. The project was launched by New York State Sen. Cordell Cleare in partnership with CaringKind as part of the Remembering Harlem initiative.

September 24, 2026: The choir held its first rehearsal on a Thursday.

The Big Picture

This story extends the Remembering Harlem initiative, which focuses on community wellness and cultural legacy within the neighborhood. By integrating specialized care into this framework, the program marks a departure from traditional clinical-only approaches to dementia support.

The choir offers dementia patients and their caregivers a structured, weekly outlet to reduce restlessness and improve mood through music. Participants can incorporate these regular sessions into their weekly routine to potentially improve sleep and social connection.

The takeaway

Music therapy provides a non-invasive way for families to bond while managing the complex behavioral symptoms of memory loss. Caregivers should look for local community programs that combine social interaction with therapeutic activities to help stabilize daily routines.