How a Choir in Granite Falls Heals Through Music and Memory Loss

In Granite Falls, a special choir brings together people touched by memory loss. The Building Bridges Choir, led by music director Jan Lerohl, offers support and community to its members. Many singers, like Danny Mooney, live with conditions such as Parkinson’s and dementia, while others care for loved ones facing similar challenges. The choir first began over a decade ago with just a handful of members. Since then, its numbers have more than doubled, reflecting a growing need for connection among those affected by memory loss. For Lerohl, the group holds personal meaning—his mother, who also struggled with dementia, was once part of the choir before her passing.

The Mooneys, Danny and Rosalene, have been married for 62 years and now sing together in the group. Danny lives with Parkinson’s and early dementia, while Rosalene acts as his caregiver. Their shared involvement in the choir provides both comfort and purpose. Every Thursday morning, the group gathers at St. Paul Lutheran Church to rehearse. Their repertoire includes church hymns and patriotic songs, which they later perform at senior living facilities and veterans homes. For many, these performances offer not just entertainment but a reminder of their value and place in the community.

The Building Bridges Choir continues to grow, offering a lifeline to those navigating memory loss. Through music and shared experiences, members find companionship and a renewed sense of belonging. Their weekly practices and performances serve as a testament to the power of connection in difficult times.