The Woods at Cedar Run resident Larry Landis, 85, is shown playing his guitar. A well-known music instructor for decades at local colleges, Landis is director of the senior living community’s choir, The Woods Singers.
Former College Professor, Choir Leader Enriches Lives of Residents, Team Members
CAMP HILL, Pa. — Larry Landis moved into The Woods at Cedar Run senior living community six months ago, bringing with him the gift of music.
A Professor Emeritus at Messiah University — where he spent decades instructing students in voice, elementary and secondary music methods, and choral music – Landis, 85, continues to teach a generation of seniors.
In turn, The Woods Singers choir, now directed by Landis, has brought smiles to the faces and music to the ears of residents and team members in the Camp Hill senior living community.
“Music and education have been such a big part of my life for so many years. I love sharing my experience and passion for being a part of musical performances,” Landis said. “Once I moved to The Woods, it seemed only natural to participate in the choir. I showed up for practice one day, and my role evolved from that point.”
He participated in his first practice with The Woods Singers shortly before the senior living community’s Christmas performance in December.
“Larry soon was promoted to choir director based on all the experience he has,” said Amy Renaldi, LifeStages Director at The Woods at Cedar Run. “His being the choir director here really gives him a special purpose while also enhancing the lives of our choir members and residents who either participate in or enjoy watching the performances.”
Landis plays guitar and sings for Memory Care residents several times each month. He offers voice lessons to residents. Those contributions would be enough to lift the spirits at The Woods. But Landis’ role as director of The Woods Singers choir has had a significant impact.
“Our choir members all love singing under Larry’s direction,” Renaldi said. “They are so excited because they realize Larry has a wealth of experience and knowledge regarding music.”
Currently, 10 residents are members of The Woods Singers. Renaldi said that number probably will grow. The group’s Christmas holiday performance was well-received and another show is planned on July 3.
“We had a very large crowd for our Christmas performance,” Renaldi said. “At least half of the building attended, as well as family members of our residents. We expect a similar crowd at the July performance.
“The Woods Singers will do a mixture of patriotic and old-time songs,” she said. “He is putting a lot of effort into making this a big production and we are so excited for it.”
Landis earned a Doctorate in Musical Arts at the University of Oregon before teaching music at Messiah University as well as Harrisburg Area Community College.
In 2020, Landis published his book “Congo PAX: The Road to Matadi, DRCongo.” The book recounted Landis’ role in a Mennonite Central Committee’s Service and Mission Program in Central Africa from 1961 to 1963.
For more information, contact Amy Renaldi, LifeStages Director, The Woods at Cedar Run, at arenaldi@integracare.com or 717.737.3373.