Enhancing the school’s outreach efforts by incorporating the power of music and community, these monthly visits not only enrich the seniors, but also bring a sense of companionship and nostalgia, reminding us all of the power of music to uplift spirits and bridge gaps between age groups. These young musicians use their training in music, movement, and rhythm, to engage the residents in activities that help to strengthen mind, body, and soul. The one-hour visit is never long enough to pick up conversations from where they left off from previous visits, leaving many of students, and residents alike counting the days until they next meet. One student now visits one of the residents weekly! Even though these visits are taking a summer break, the relationships will continue!
These relationships are particularly important to The Madeleine Choir School’s Director of Music, Melanie Malinka. “This is an exceptional example of how we use our musical training to help our senior community members as they age.” Originally from Germany, Ms. Malinka was always struck by how the elderly are tucked away in society in the U.S. “Through these monthly visits, our young students see how their singing can directly impact other people and allows senior members of our community to be more visible to our students.” By uniting these two communities together, you have the opportunity to create meaningful connections and foster a sense of belonging.
These relationships are particularly important to The Madeleine Choir School’s Director of Music, Melanie Malinka. “This is an exceptional example of how we use our musical training to help our senior community members as they age.” Originally from Germany, Ms. Malinka was always struck by how the elderly are tucked away in society in the U.S. “Through these monthly visits, our young students see how their singing can directly impact other people and allows senior members of our community to be more visible to our students.” By uniting these two communities together, you have the opportunity to create meaningful connections and foster a sense of belonging.