WMS Bands Perform at Haven Homes Senior Living
WMS Bands Perform at Haven Homes Senior Living
WMS band students performed for residents at Haven Homes Senior Living in Maple Plain.
Westonka Middle School sixth and seventh grade band students took their show on the road December 2, performing for residents of Haven Homes Senior Living in Maple Plain. For the first time, the school is participating in Harmony Bridge, a nationwide program that connects band students with residents in elder care facilities.
According to band director Gretchen Chilson, the program has a dual purpose. “The program connects our students with our larger community, while providing an enrichment opportunity for students who want to perform more music!” she said.
Students learn some music in a large group setting, and there are additional opportunities for students to learn music in smaller groups like trios and quartets.
At the musicians’ first performance of the year, Chilson said that students performed beautifully and residents enjoyed hearing them, as well as chatting with them afterward.
"I am so proud of these dedicated students, who put in lots of hours outside of the school day to learn their music and performed it well!” she said. “But even more impressive were the connections they made with the residents after the performance; I witnessed conversations about music, and growing up, that benefitted both young and old. I know they truly made a difference during that field trip."