SilverSounds Northwest Senior Chorus

SilverSounds NW Artistic Director Paula Hawkins 

 

Paula Hawkins, a longtime music educator and choral director for children's choruses, realized it was high time for the "young at heart" to pursue their passion for singing. 

And so SilverSounds Northwest was born. SilverSounds NW is the only senior chorus in the Greater Seattle Choral Consortium. Based out of Burien as part of the not-for-profit Northwest Associated Arts (NWAA), SilverSounds Northwest is a fun mixed community chorus of age 65-plus mostly retired seniors who believe that you’re never too old to rock and roll! Known for their clever, themed concerts, SilverSounds loves to entertain audiences with solos, small ensembles, narration, acting, dance, choreography and hi-jinks.

"In 2011, I was directing three choirs within Northwest Associated Arts for singers 18 and under," said Paula Hawkins. Then the NWAA board convinced her that they were missing a vital demographic - seniors. "That same year, I started the SilverSounds Northwest choir with our first performance in Burien. There were 27 brave singers on that big stage having a blast singing rock and roll in their first concert. Fourteen years later, SilverSounds has grown to 74 singers, ranging in age from 65 to 95."

Hawkins found that SilverSounds members have many hidden talents. "We have 11 singers who love to dance and a choreographer who previously danced professionally in New York. Several of our singers find joy in playing other instruments, which we have added to our shows, including trumpets, a saxophone, ukuleles, a few guitarists, and an upright bassist. We also have writers who enjoy creating narration within each show, tying our songs together within a story."

Hawkins adds, "Our singers are always telling me how much fun they are having doing the shows and that they have made good friendships. The community of SilverSounds enriches their lives in their retirement."

Two members of the chorus couldn't agree more. 

Maureen McDonald-Todd 

Maureen McDonald-Todd (Alto I) is a retired nurse educator. She sings in both SilverSounds and ChoralSounds, as well as the ChoralSounds all-female ensemble, "Smamblettes." Maureen has been a singer with the chorus since 2014; in that time, she met her soulmate and got married at age 70. "I joined the organization because I love singing...being able to share my love of music with friends, family and the larger community is what it's all about."

Stacey Stevens

Stacey Stevens (Alto I) joined SilverSounds a little more than a year ago to be able to sing with others in a group. "This organization is my tribe…plain and simple. We make music together and, to a greater extent, we experience life’s ups and downs together. To me, there’s nothing better in life than singing with others who are as passionate about music as I am!"

Do You Remember When…‘60s Songs that Rocked Our World 

SilverSounds Spring Concerts are coming up on April 12 & 13 at the Highline Performing Arts Center in Burien. The name of the show is "Do You Remember When…‘60s Songs that Rocked Our World."

SilverSounds performs "Do You Remember When…‘60s Songs that Rocked Our World" on April 12 & 13 at the Highline Performing Arts Center in Burien

If you attend, you can plan on taking a nostalgic journey back to the rockin’ 1960s. This spring, the era of roller skates, bubble gum comics, tie-dye, and bell-bottoms comes alive in an electrifying performance. Experience the unforgettable sounds of The Everly Brothers, The Jersey Boys, The Rat Pack, Elvis, and iconic hits from the legendary Summer of ’69 and Woodstock.

The performance will include a rockin' band, talented soloists, vibrant choreography and costuming, clever narration, and a touch of humor. "This show delivers music, fun, and memories in equal measure." 

SilverSounds Northwest proves “You are never too old to rock and roll!” Don’t miss the chance to relive the songs that defined a generation!

Tickets, available online or at the door, are $20 and FREE for those 17 & under accompanied by a paying adult. Visit nwassociatedarts.org/concerts to see the full concert list for the 2024-2025 season.

MORE INFORMATION

SilverSounds performs two mainstage shows every season. The first is ChristmasSounds in Burien each December, a collaboration with all other NWAA choirs sharing a single stage. In the spring, SilverSounds brings their signature annual mainstage show to Highline Performing Arts Center, featuring clever narration, sets, lighting, costuming, choreography, and humor. The chorus is often invited to perform in the community including at retirement communities and senior centers, the Burien Strawberry Festival, and even singing the National Anthem for the Tacoma Rainiers at Cheney Stadium!