Photographs by Rick Falco
The Senior Center’s newly-formed chorus, the Easton Sharps and Flats, wants to spread some joy.
“We just want to bring joy and feel joy because singing is a joyful experience,” said Arlene Steinfeld, an experienced chorus singer who founded the Easton Sharps and Flats.
The chorus officially started on Aug. 28 with rehearsals scheduled every Monday at 2 p.m. at the Senior Center, but an unexpected setback occurred when the choir director fell ill with COVID-19.
“The director teaches the music, chooses the music, and plays the part on the piano,” said chorus member Sharon Poole who described why having a chorus director is essential.
The chorus did find a new choir director when Anne Tornillo, a former Trumbull High School teacher, stepped in.
“It’s been lovely to work with them,” said Tornillo, who has been rehearsing with the chorus for about four weeks.
Members are currently rehearsing for a Veterans Day performance where they will sing patriotic pieces including the time-honored “This Land is Your Land”, said Tornillo.
They will then begin rehearsing for their holiday concert where they will sing a variety of Christmas, Hanukkah and winter songs.
Joanne Kant, a chorus member, said the singers are eager to spread the healing power of music.
“Recreation directors at nursing homes are always delighted to have a group that will volunteer to come in and get their people together in a big room and put on a little chorus. They join in and are happy,” said Kant.
Senior Center Director Val Buckley said the chorus will play a vital role in the center’s outreach efforts outside of Easton.
“We send out between 1,400 and 1,500 newsletters to all Easton seniors 55 and older. Our oldest person is 103,” said Buckley. “We send out 400 miscellaneous letters to different people all over Fairfield County. We send out 151 to Trumbull, and about 45 to Monroe.”
If you are interested in joining the chorus, you can call the Senior Center at 203-268-1145.
Choral Director, Anne Tornillo, conducts senior center chorus. 
Choral Director, Anne Tornillo, conducts senior center chorus. 
Senior talk before class starts at center. 
Choral Director, Anne Tornillo, conducts senior center chorus. 
Choral Director, Anne Tornillo, conducts senior center chorus. 
Choral Director, Anne Tornillo, conducts senior center chorus. 
Choral Director, Anne Tornillo, conducts senior center chorus. 
Choral Director, Anne Tornillo, conducts senior center chorus. 
Choral Director, Anne Tornillo, conducts senior center chorus. 
Choral Director, Anne Tornillo, conducts senior center chorus. 
Choral Director, Anne Tornillo, conducts senior center chorus.
