Zooming with Bob, Madge & the Heartzingers!
by Julie Carpenter
For nearly two decades, Bob and Madge Erlenbaugh have shared their gifts, enriching the lives of Misericordia residents through music and their tireless leadership as volunteer choir directors for Misericordia’s Heartzingers Choir. The Heartzingers are a choir of 50 residents, led by Bob on guitar and Madge guiding residents who participate through sign language. It is a group that has found a common bond through music, forming a tight-knit family within the broader Misericordia family, for whom the choir’s music brings comfort, spiritual inspiration, joy and profound happiness.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Heartzingers kept a busy schedule, participating in Misericordia’s Saturday Mass services and entertaining audiences of 100+ at Wednesday night sing-a-longs, while honing their skills at weekly choir practices. The Heartzingers are highly sought-after and their annual appearances include Chicago’s City Hall Christmas Tree Lighting, White Sox games, performances at Misericordia fundraisers, and a multitude of campus events. The choir has even enjoyed performance opportunities with notable musicians, including Paul Simon, Eddie Vedder, Nils Lofgren and Miguel Cervantes from Hamilton!
Taking the Heartzingers’ show on the road is a labor of love for Bob and Madge, and they manage this effort through equal parts of kindness, time, and generosity. Madge coordinates the choristers and their wardrobe needs and Bob drives the bus, with a parent or two assisting as choir roadies. While the Heartzingers love taking the stage and delighting audiences, they also look forward to a post-performance milkshake, which has become both a tradition and treat from Bob and Madge for the song-filled bus ride back to campus.
Of course, there have been no road trips lately due to the pandemic, so like many Misericordia programs, the Heartzingers stay connected and continue to make music through Zoom. Pivoting to a virtual format required some adjustment at first, as the choir learned how to negotiate the “mute” button and transmission delays that pose challenges for singing and signing on Zoom. Misericordia staff member Thomas McManus has become a valued member of the Heartzingers’ team, facilitating the Zoom technology to keep the Thursday night choir practice running smoothly. His talents extend beyond just technical skill, as Thomas will often join the singing or is quick to play a request on his guitar.
Zooming with the Heartzingers has become a popular activity this past year, with a typical attendance of 50+ “screens”, which includes exponential participation from the Village homes, Shannon Apartments, and many of the CILA’S! Zoom has also been a great way for new Misericordia residents to meet others who share their love of music. Despite the pandemic, the Heartzingers are thrilled to welcome new voices to the choir! Additionally, parents and sibs frequently attend the virtual choir gatherings to witness the collective joy that music brings and catch the smiles of their loved ones.
Aside from the technical adaptations, Bob, Madge, and the Heartzingers carry on with their usual music activities, singing show tunes, hymns, holiday favorites, or rally around uplifting themes about love or sunshine. Bob often calls on choir members to spotlight their individual talents, singing solo, or performing on a favorite instrument – piano, bongos, guitar, or maracas. Guest singers and longtime choir volunteers Frank O’Hara, Sarah Storto, and Kristin Coveney will often make Zoom appearances to participate in the fun and enrich the music experience.
Celebrating birthdays is another choir tradition that has continued on Zoom. Madge recites a list of resident birthdays, which is then followed by a rousing rendition of Misericorida’s famous “Birthday” song. With unmuted microphones and the half-second Zoom delay, the singing is a cacophony of the sweetest music you’ll ever hear! Similarly, Bob and Madge always allow space for residents to ask for prayers or songs to support their feelings of concern or loss, which has been especially important this past year. They have made a practice of closing choir gatherings with I Will Make This Day My Prayer by David Kauffman, which heals, spiritually-centers, and leaves all with hopeful hearts.
Like many choirs, the Heartzingers are counting the days to the time when they can gather again in person and resume their public performances. The Heartzingers’ fans, family, and friends would agree.
