Finding Joy in Every Note -- Saint Therese of Woodbury Choir Lifts Spirits Through Song

At Saint Therese of Woodbury, a unique group of residents gathers twice a year not just to sing—but to connect, inspire, and celebrate the joy of music. The Saint Therese of Woodbury Choir, the only choir across all Saint Therese communities, offers two one-hour concerts each year—one in December with a Christmas theme, and a second during the summer.

This year's summer performance, held in June, was called “Music from the Movies” and featured beloved classics including Que Sera Sera, The Bare Necessities, Tuxedo Junction and Singin’ in the Rain. Residents and guests filled the chapel for a heartwarming program filled with nostalgia, harmony, and connection.

Founded in 2018 by Therese Stecher, a lifelong pianist and retired critical care nurse, the Woodbury choir started with just 10 members and has now grown to 24 dedicated singers. “The biggest fear people have is they haven’t sung in so long, they think they can’t do it,” Stecher says. “But the muscles that control the vocal cords—you just need to work them.”

Stecher arranges each songbook specifically for aging voices and emphasizes that this is not simply a singalong group. “We’re here to learn a show,” she says. “The expectations are high, but the reward is even greater.” The choir practices for months before each performance.

A Community Built on Song

More than a musical outlet, the choir fosters a powerful sense of belonging and pride. For Carl Roehl, a lifelong musician, it’s spiritual. He and his wife, Janet, both sing in the choir. “I find it a very prayerful thing to do,” Carl said. “The music and spiritual aspect at Saint Therese was one of the reasons we decided to move here three years ago.”

Gary Blanchard, who once toured with 3M’s national choir, finds meaning in continuing to perform. Mary Ann Bernauer, a recent transplant from Wisconsin, calls it “the most positive group of older adults I’ve ever been around.” And Sally Riepe, one of Saint Therese’s original residents, sums it up simply: “I like to sing and express myself and be with people.” (Carl, Gary, Mary Ann and Sally are shown below, left to right.)

Music as Medicine for the Soul

Science backs what the choir experiences firsthand: singing in a choir provides significant cognitive, emotional, physical, and social benefits for older adults. Studies show these effects strengthen the longer someone participates—making choirs like this one not just joyful, but meaningful to long-term health.

Hannah Mallow, Life Enrichment Director at Saint Therese of Woodbury, also sings in the choir—while helping two residents from the long-term care area who are also members. She’s witnessed the impact up close. “I think it’s really an opportunity for them to have a reason to gather,” she said. “Music is such a powerful thing for the brain. Members have been coming for a long time and it’s important to them. A little community. They take pride in it.”

For Stecher, that sense of community and purpose is exactly the point. The choir is her way of giving back—born out of gratitude following her son’s near-fatal accident nearly two decades ago. Through her nonprofit, Song for Seniors, she continues to create opportunities for older adults across the East Metro to connect through song. 

“They give me back as much as I give them,” Stecher says. “Each member is very special, and new members are always welcome!” 

Check out a few of the songs the choir sang on our YouTube channel!