On July 3 and July 4 Aiden Teter and I were welcomed by the residents of HOC's Forest Oak Towers and Asbury's Kindley Assisted Living for a seasonal sing-along with the residents.
We, and other students of Mrs. Holliday, have performed sing-alongs for several years: Patriotic music for Presidents Day and Independence Day, and Holiday music during December.
For this year's Fourth of July weekend, Aiden and I prepared a program of patriotic songs, folk tunes and popular favorites. Aiden arranged several of the pieces, and he played a solo piano piece while I was walking through the audience, thanking them for inviting us.
My joy at leading the singing is seeing (and hearing!) the residents joining in, which is the whole point. At every occasion there is someone who says that he or she does not know the words. Not true! Soon enough that person is singing with the other residents. I am so impressed to hear at least one person who knows every word to the verses.
We are looking forward to singing and playing again at these and other senior residences around the county.
Richard Pedersen