Photo courtesy of Fred Ernst.
Members of the Hoover Songbirds perform a song from their set.
Every Wednesday, you can find the Hoover Songbirds performing in retirement homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and special needs facilities throughout Jefferson and Shelby counties.
The group originally started off as an activity for seniors at Hoover Senior Center, as an outlet for their musical interests. Now in their 28th year, the show choir performs concerts eight months out of the year.
Dr. Fred Ernst, a retired anesthesiologist who still practices three days in a pain clinic at Cooper Green Hospital, is now in his second year as director. He took over for Inez Saia, who Ernst says held the group together for 15 years. Not just another choir, The Songbirds’ performances provide a different and welcome change for the residents.
Comprised of 35 members, ages 59 to 89, the group performs a variety of music in their 50-minute program. Their 15-song set includes selections from “The Great American Song Book,” well known Christian songs with a jazz twist and patriotic numbers, interposed with music from their musical accompanists.
Ernst begins taking bookings in July and has the group’s schedule completely booked by mid-August. He has to turn down requests and has a waiting list of places that want them to come. The group practices the first three weeks of September and January to prepare for their show and takes the month of December off. They only perform on Wednesdays because of the time obligation it requires.
“We do about 20 concerts in the spring season and eight or nine in the fall,” Ernst said. “By the time we get to spring, we are a pretty well-oiled machine. It’s something each one of these people look forward to. Although some days they do have to miss because they are out of town or have a doctor’s appointment, it’s a real commitment on their end.”
While the song selections change from year to year, Ernst says they always keep “Hi Neighbor” and “Doggie in the Window” as constants in the lineup. He said “Hello Dolly” has gone over so well with audiences this year, he plans to include it in next year’s set, as well. Six members are also in the Birmingham chapter of the Barbershop Chorus of America and they sing a version of “Heart of My Hearts.”
“We try to keep it varied to keep the interest up, both for the audience and our singers,” Ernst said. “Like a very successful book in which the reader is propelled to turn [the] page, we do the same with our musical program.”
“We want the audience to be on the edge of their seats, waiting to see what we will do next,” he added.
Although there are no costume changes, members wear white tops and black pants and add props of hats and other items as the song selections change. Ernst also has backgrounds to go along with the different themes, as much as he can fit in his car. He describes himself as a very animated conductor, which he learned from his 12 summers singing with the Cleveland Orchestra during their pop concert season. He directed a show choir during his years medical school and has sung since junior high.
“I get a lot of positive feedback from my choir members who really are enjoying being part of a show choir and doing what we’re doing, and it’s fun. As much time and commitment you give to a ministry like this, you want it to be fun.”
While they don’t get paid monetarily, Ernst said that when the residents smile or start singing along, that’s all the satisfaction they need. He believes the Songbirds serve as role models for their audiences.
“To see an 88-year-old performing, that’s impressive,” he said. “Watching the smiles on their faces makes it all worth the effort.”
To learn more about the senior center and New Horizons, visit hooveralabama.gov/707/hoover-new-horizons.
