Why Applewood Employs Its Own Music Director

When you visit Applewood, you’ll probably hear some kind of live music.

It may be coming from our on-site community chorus, resident jam sessions, private music lessons or the illustrious Monmouth Symphony Orchestra also uses our Performing Arts Center for weeknight rehearsals.

Charlie Clarke, our community musical director, studied music at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston and Rutgers University. Employed by Applewood since 2014, he has been instrumental in helping to expand Applewood’s music education, instruction and performance programs which are popular with a large number of residents.

After working and studying with renowned jazz greats such as Kenny Baron, Frank Foster and Paul Jeffries, Charlie continued to teach, arrange and perform regularly.

“I don’t know any other senior community in this area who employs a professional music director,” Charlie says.

“This opportunity allows me to create arrangements tailored specifically for resident our choral vocalists and musicians.”

The musical director and arranger says doing so allows for the performer to achieve an optimal performance in both a solo and ensemble capacity.

Cultivating Musical Programs Based on Resident Interests

“After getting to know the residents over the years, I’m also privy to the types of music they enjoy and can choose songs which have special meaning to them.”

The Applewood Chorus performs two major concerts each year, in the spring and during the holiday season. The choir also performs for special holidays and community events, including Veteran’s Day.

Charlie also started an informal musical jam session for any resident singer, musician or music lover at any skill level, including beginners. Charlie supplies guitars, ukuleles, hand percussion, homemade instruments–or you can bring your own.

He and his professional Dixieland Band perform on occasional Sunday afternoons at the community and he also entertains during some of the community cocktail parties.

Charlie also offers private piano lessons for residents, from beginners to experienced pianists who want to improve their skills or learn a specific piece of music.

Need a quiet place to practice an instrument or sing to your heart’s content? Our private music practice room is always open.

Learn more about the Applewood Chorus and Live On-Site Entertainment

Joel Stern – Reigniting a Passion for the Saxophone

Dr. Joel Stern played the clarinet in high school and college and also played the sax in a dance band.

But life took over after that, and fifty years passed without Joel playing the sax or the clarinet. But once Joel and his wife Beverly moved to Applewood in 2015, he had more time to rekindle his hobbies.

On a whim, he began taking lessons locally and sooner than he expected, a sax player was reborn.

“I can’t tell you how much I enjoy playing again,” Joel says with a smile. “When I play music, I forget about the stresses of the day and just enjoy the moment—it’s truly a joyful activity.” Joel practices about five days a week for an hour at a time.

He also participates in the on-site music jam sessions run by Charlie. “My friend Herb plays the trumpet, we have a pretty nice drum set and different musicians and singers come and go,” he says.

Joel says he’s always been a music aficionado and loves playing and listening to 50’s classics that remind him of high school and college.

“Sometimes I search my favorite performers on YouTube and watch their original performances. It brings back great memories for me.”

Applewood Promotes Culture, Health and Spiritual Vitality

Our exclusive Engaged Living® lifestyle program at Applewood encompasses a broad range of programs to help cultivate and inspire each resident’s ‘best life.’

Whether you enjoy playing or listening to music, attending lectures about history or current events or hopping aboard our private coach for a day trip to the Shore, your interests, hobbies and passions will be fulfilled in our lively and active retirement community.

To visit and tour our renovated apartment and cottage-style residences, call (732) 303-7416 to schedule your personal visit or attend one of our upcoming special events.