Scholars Sing for Seniors
January 14, 2010 • written by Samantha Hartfiel
There was not a single frown in the room when members of the Park National Honor Society treated residents of Norris Square Nursing Home to a symphony of holiday carols over the winter break. The group of about sixteen students, some decked in holiday sweaters or hats, sang a variety of holiday tunes to the elders, including “Jingle Bells”, “Frosty the Snowman”, and “Rudolph” brightening many of the residents’ day. Katie Schwen, junior, found the event to be very entertaining.
“I think that the caroling went great,” she grins, “I believe that the residents really enjoyed hearing some of the kids from the community perform for them.”
As a group, the scholars were able to sing for three different groups of elders in various areas of the grand nursing home. Each audience, which included dementia residents, dinner guests, and visiting family members, was treated to five or six classic songs that alternated between each set. The seniors seemed to appreciate the music deeply as they smiled, sang along, or tapped their feet to the beat. Before departing, the students would finish with “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” to finalize their endeavors to spread good cheer.
Unfortunately, because this was the first year that the National Honor Society went caroling at the Nursing Home, the members were a little confused on what to sing and where they were going at first. Although each student was provided with a packet of about twelve songs, there was not a set pace, which caused many of the songs to be sped up. Fortunately, the junior members learned many ways to improve the event if the activity were to become an annual tradition.
“I think that adding more songs, longer songs, or instruments, such as jingle bells or tambourines could greatly improve the caroling. It was just over very quickly and they didn’t get to hear much,” Schwen adds.
Generally, the night went very well for the students, and despite a bit of a hectic start, the students sang well together by the end of the hour.
“It would be sweet if it became a tradition!” Schwen exclaims, ”It was really fun, and as I said, the residents seemed to really enjoy it.
Photo by: Samantha Hartfiel
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