Led by Branson School music teacher Rachel Kim, 13 chamber music students took turns performing works by Mozart, Dvorak, Bach, Schubert, Faure, Tchaikovsky, and Mendelssohn for residents of Kindred South Marin in Greenbrae, Ca. on December 3rd. They played beautifully, with great passion and precision, dazzling residents who can’t normally get out for music concerts. Kudos and many thanks to Rachel and the students!
Holiday Gifts Time!
It’s that time of year, when LITA collects new items for low-income residents of nursing home facilities. If you would like to donate an item, check out the Amazon gift list or the giving trees at the Bank of Marin branches on Grant Ave in Novato or Redwood Highway in San Rafael
Led by music teacher Rachel Kim, the choir from Branson School in Ross demonstrated their celestial harmonies for Windchime of Marin Memory Care residents on November 14, 2018. Singing some songs a capella and others with piano accompaniment, the selections included pieces by composers Pachelbel, Samuel Barber, Thomas Weelkes, and John Jacob Niles. They sounded beautiful and Windchime says they would love to have them back. Many thanks to Rachel and all the students in the choir!
Bridging Generations’ participants (students, residents, teachers and activity directors) complete pre- and post-program surveys. We recently compiled 4 years of those surveys into a longitudinal study and are so excited to share what we found:
Read and share this summary document or take a look at the full study.
From the Findings: The transformation in the children’s views of older persons is best encapsulated in one student who in the fall had described older persons as “boring” and “grouchy” and had noted that he didn’t really like some old people. By spring he had definitely changed his views:
“I learned that I love to see older people because they bring me lots of joy. The people from the home help me see the potential that I have with older people and that they can do many things.”
“Our residents always spend the rest of the day talking about how much they enjoyed the visit.”
Tamalpais High School student Natalia Betzler enchanted the residents of Drake Terrace on Sunday Oct 14 with her astonishingly adept piano playing and fine singing. From classical pieces to songs made famous by The Beatles, Billy Joel, Etta James, Louis Armstrong, Carole King, and George Gershwin, there was something for everyone. LITA’s music coordinator Rob Thomure played the “Quiz Man” by asking some pop music questions between songs. Audience comments included “What a talent!!” and “Can she come back every Sunday?” Thanks, Natalia!
LITA and our partnering facilities are excited to have new 2nd through 8th grade students, including San Domenico Middle School's Service Learning Club and Dixie Elementary’s 4th & 5th grade. Some of our returning participating schools are starting their 10th or 11th year of the program. We hope they have an exciting, meaningful year as they bring joy to seniors throughout Marin!
THANK YOU to all the wonderful supporters who attended, and to those of you who could not but sent well wishes and support! There were fun, local business items auctioned and raffled off and we were wowed by the mellifluous voice of Noah Griffin and Ross Gualco’s stylish handling of the keyboard as they shared Cole Porter classics. And of course we raised much needed funds to ensure staff continues to connect our community, young and old, with older adults who are confined to long term care facilities. Thank you!
Two Marin Catholic High School students, Jake Chuharski and Nic Meringolo, performed in the Sun Room at The Tamalpais Healthcare unit in Corte Madera, Sunday September 16th. Nic played guitar and sang, and Jake was on keyboards and vocals. The Beatles “Let it Be”, two Frank Sinatra tunes, Elvis Presley’s “Burning Love” (with a few Elvis moves by Nic!), Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind”, a classical piece and some originals were part of the musical treats provided by the duo. There were smiles and applause all around- even the attendant behind the food counter said “great job!” Thank you, Jake and Nic!
LITA was awarded a SPROUTS grant from the Marin County Parks department to explore having Bridging Generations' sessions in one of our wonderful county parks. It is a great way to encourage even more connection and shared experiences between the students and residents.