Junior League of Minneapolis

The LeagueAires are trained volunteers who have been sponsored by the Junior League of Minneapolis since 1966.  Our purpose is to bring the joy of music to the elderly, mentally or physically challenged children and adults, and to disadvantaged children, as well as to continue training our volunteers in the fundamentals of therapeutic music. In the 2008-2009 League year, the LeagueAires touched over 4,000 lives!

Back in the mid-1960s when the JLM Board voted to end its direct involvement in the Children's Theatre and Puppetry projects, some avid JLM volunteers in these programs lamented, "What are we going to do?" They brainstormed about how to continue using their talents and experience in singing, dancing, acting, costumes, and public relations. Seizing upon the idea of forming a women's choral group that would bring therapeutic music to the community, they presented their idea to the JLM Board. Following a thorough assessment of volunteer support and community interest, the JLM approved the formation of LeagueAires.                                                      

LeagueAires have grown from the founding group of 18 singers in 1966 to a polished chorale of more than 60 today. Former directors include Marjorie Nordstrom (1966-1967), Betty Kringlee (1967-1994), Norma Pierson (1994-2004) and Lynda Stahl (2004-2006). The current director is Jeanie Brindley Barnett from MacPhail Center for Music.

Once consisting only of active JLM members, LeagueAires now include JLM sustainers and women from the community. In addition to about 40 performances in the Twin Cities each season, the LeagueAires sing at JLM meetings and events and take road trips to Duluth, Two Harbors and Silver Bay. They have performed in the Holidazzle Parade, at Orchestra Hall and at the 'White House'!

LeagueAires' music selection is guided by the ages and interests of its audiences, which include inner-city school children and developmentally challenged youth and adults, as well as nursing home residents. Its well-paced program of therapeutic music features group choreography, individual dancers, a sing-along, props, costuming, percussion and solo vocalists. The repertoire includes but is not limited to standards, TV and show tunes, novelty numbers, gospel tunes and patriotic songs.

Beyond an entertainment group, the LeagueAires is a sisterhood of song. It is a great honor and privilege to tell our audiences that we have been reaching out to the community through the Junior League of Minneapolis for more than forty years!

LeagueAires Performance Schedule