TC AZ is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) Charity - AZ QCO Code 22218
On Wednsday morning, July 26, 2023, Monica Yelin, Outreach Director for Congresswoman Debbie Lesko, Arizona, 8th District, came to Sun City to present the Special Congressional Recognition Award to the West Side Tremble Clefs. Sun Joo Lee, Music Director, accepted the award on behalf of the group. At the right is a photo of Ms. Yelin (at left) and Ms. Lee holding the certificate.
Ms. Yelin gave a speech that morning. Here is a copy of that speech:
It is an honor to be here with you. Before I begin, please allow me to acknowledge Music Director Sun Joo Lee, members of the board, leadership, volunteers, stakeholders, community partners, donors and anyone involved in this important cause. I also want to celebrate The West Side Tremble Clefs 15-year anniversary, congratulations on this milestone.
Someone once said your illness does not define you, your courage does. To the patients that are here today, know that we admire you. Your spirits are unbreakable, and your resilience is an inspiration to the world.
Since 2008, The West Side Tremble Clefs have been providing music therapy to many of those with Parkinson’s disease, touching countless lives, and leaving profound imprints along the way. But music is much more than melodies and harmony, it is a powerful healer. Whether it’s through friendship, singing, encouragement and love, you have shown an unwavering dedication for others.
Your impact has not gone unnoticed, words can not express our immense gratitude for your remarkable contributions to this community. Thanks to you, those who struggle have not felt alone, you are their heroes and their beacon of hope. The patients and their families may have forgotten what you said or did, but never how you made them feel.
We can not be prouder for having this group in our district, your sense of humanity and volunteerism is inspiring. Because of your compassion and dedication, your organization has been chosen for such a special award. It is my privilege, on behalf of the United States House of Representatives and Congresswoman Debbie Lesko to present you with this Congressional Recognition Award. Thank you for all you do.
Copy of the text of the award presentation speech given by Monica Yelin, Outreach Director, for Congresswoman Debbie Lesko, Arizona, 8th District, on July 26, 2023, in Sun City to the West Side Tremble Clefs.
Jim Histand, President of the West Side Tremble Clefs, speaking to the choral group before practice begins
Sun Joo Lee, Music Director, leading the choir in warm-up exercises
Monica Yelin, Outreach Director for Congresswoman Debbie Lesko, and Sun Joo lee, Music Director, in front of the singers
There were several people photographing that day - Including 3 in this picture: Phyllis Norgren, Donna Rosenheck & Jane Burke. Monica Yelin is in the front of the audience; Sun Joo Lee is standing by the piano. Ray Erlandsen, Sherman Pollard and Sun Joo Lee also photographed and videotaped that morning.
After the award was presented - photo of the singers with Sun Joo Lee & Monica Yelin standing behind the back row
Close up photo of the group - everyone is smiling - delighted over this wonderful Congressional award
Linus Jung, Accompanist
Monica Yelin, Outreach Director for Congresswoman Debbie Lesko, Arizona, 8th District
Much laughter, talk and delicious refreshments proved a happy relaxed conclusion to a wonderful West Side Tremble Clefs event
June 10th 15 singers from the Original & West Side groups attended. They were directed by Kiersten Jungbluth and Merri Zohar. Linus Jung was the accompanist.
We sang "Sweet Caroline" and "Take Me Home Country Roads." The topic of the program "The Revolutionary Vibrating Glove Can Control Parkinson's Symptoms" was given by Dr. Peter Tass of Stanford University. He was online from a remote location.
Singers from the West Side Tremble Clefs, Sun City, and the Original Tremble Clefs, Scottsdale, drove to Venture Out RV Resort to join our newest Tremble Clefs - the Mesa Tremble Clefs!
Sun Joo Lee the Music Director of Tremble Clefs Arizona made a guest appearance to speak and lead the group in a couple of songs. Interim Music Director Kiersten Jungbluth, who had been working with the group, directed the concert. José Salazar was the accompanist.
The concert was held in the Cabana Room of Venture Out RV Resort in Mesa on a beautiful spring day, March 13th. An appreciative audience filled the room. The concert included such favorities as Sweet Caroline, Don't Fence Me In, You Make Me Feel So Young and America The Beautiful. Often the audience joined in. It was an outstanding performance.
"We participants in Tremble Clefs share a common goal: we want to continue to strengthen our resolve, our voice, and our health. Singing in the concert with others was enjoyable, and seemed to bring joy to others. I'm looking foward to next year."
Rocky Junk
"The concert was so much fun. I'm glad we found out about Tremble Clefs. Next year I'm sure we'll have more singers. We need to have the annual concert in a bigger room!"
Chris Volz
Photo, left to right: Cathy Holt, Marietta Brandt, Merlyn Brandt
Our members were recorded singing “We Go On Day By Day” written by our own Beth Lee. Tremble Clefs Arizona joined in this virtual concert with two Tremble Clefs groups from Southern California, the Orange County TC and the San Diego TC. In September 2020, singers were photographed and recorded by Iowa University students. That video is here for you to watch and enjoy. The song has a powerful message. Lyrics are in the Singers section of the website.
Check out this great video. You will see the directors of choral groups for people with Parkinson's disease. Part of the PD Virtual Singing Festival, it premiered on Sept. 30, 2020. Sun Joo Lee, our TC AZ Music Director, is one of the singers.