Inspiring Hope in August 2020
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August, 2020 Newsletter Sequel dedicated to:
These Rising High School Seniors, brave hearts among us through the healing and empowering elements of their MUSIC. We share these stories of courage, perseverance, and hope to embolden you. Share these as well as your own stories of courage and personal victory over uncertainty of the unknown.
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Hi, my name is George Frisbie from the Holy Cross Hospital location of the Tacy Foundation in Germantown. When I was waiting in the lobby of the Shady Grove hospital waiting for my first turn to play the piano, I listened to the gorgeous sounds of music finding their way across the entire room, bouncing off the walls around me. It was overwhelming at first but over time I garnered the courage to play my own song which I had been practicing for a few months. As I started playing, the coldness in my hands turned into the warmth I spread throughout the room. The moment I finished playing, I heard a great roar through the lobby as people clapped and as the next performer got ready to sit at the stool. A couple old people visiting a patient in the hospital came to thank me for playing my song. This was the moment I decided I would join the Tacy Foundation and continue playing for these people.
As the time flew by, I was invited to be a Chief Intern at a new location closer to my house. I reluctantly applied because I had never had experience as a leader before, but my dad convinced me otherwise, so I decided to take the responsibility into my own hands (literally). Being a chief intern has opened my eyes as to what it means to be a pianist in today’s world. At first I used piano as a way to gain acceptance from others, proving my talent to them in order to get them to give me what I wanted. But as the first year went on, I realized that being a Chief intern wasn’t about me, but it was all about the kids who wanted to show off their skills and gain experience with performing. I learned that putting others into the spotlight before myself actually felt better than me taking up all the limelight, however, I never lost the spark for performing that led me to joining the Foundation and creating memories I will never forget.
Thanks so much for making this a reality of mine,
George Frisbie
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After my first mandatory service event, I began searching for similar experiences, and discovered the Tacy Foundation, a local charity organization that hosts musical performances for hospital patients, disadvantaged youth, and senior citizens. Within weeks of my first performance, I was on my way to lead and host future musical performances in multiple local senior living facilities. This experience started my volunteerism journey and helped me gain leadership, communication, and marketing skills for each performance that I coordinated. The opportunity to give back to my community has given me more than I could have imagined. Senior citizens who struggle with memory loss can sometimes recognize a song or tune that spurs a memory, which brings them much joy and a feeling of compassion for me.
I hope this helps all readers who are searching for meaningful avenues of service!
Thank you,
Niki Lal
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In 2016, I had the amazing chance of joining the Tacy Foundation as a volunteer and enjoyed every second of music we’ve made in hospitals, senior homes, NIH, and other public platforms.
I still remember my first experience performing for the Tacy Foundation at the Shady Grove Hospital, watching the doctors, nurses and patients walk back, occasionally smiling a glance towards my performance. It was definitely a new atmosphere, one that took a while for me to get used to. Walking into the lobby that day, I was immediately greeted by Ms. Holliday, who radiated nothing but warmth and welcome across the hall. She patiently explained how this would work and what it would be like to do community services by playing music. Her encouraging smile calmed me down. It didn’t matter that I didn’t recognize anyone, or that it was my first time performing in such an environment. In her presence, all my nerves suddenly disappeared. In that moment, all that mattered was the passion each volunteer had for music, which was obvious before they even started performing.
The Tacy Foundation made me realize the power music has, specifically, the power of change. Our music will be a medicine, healing the mind, body, and soul. The gift of music would respond to human suffering, following the Foundation’s model of, “inspiring hope, note by note.” This is the most meaningful for me who loves music and has studied music for over ten years
I’ve been gifted with the passion, love, and ability to create music through my flute, so what other way to give back than with music? To me, the patients, seniors and audiences at all these venues are like a second family. One smile or compliment from them can make all my nervousness dissolve in the blink of an eye.
During the unfortunate times of a global pandemic, we recorded Videos for the Foundation Playlist as well as CDs and sent them to patients and seniors. I believe music is one way to achieve peace and stability in this period of time. When recording for the YouTube Playlist collection, the only thing running through my mind was the joy, love, caring and healing that such music could bring to our community.
Music is medicine for the soul, and a vessel that can convey many messages to an audience. That is something the Tacy Foundation has, and will continue, to spread across public platforms. I hope that through this amazing organization, we can continue to impact the world with our powerful, musical performances. Along with creating new memories, the Tacy Foundation will always hold a special place in my heart.
So thank you, the Tacy Foundation! This experience inspired me and made me realize how love, help, and support, even in the smallest amounts, can change someone’s day. I will come out of the program feeling satisfied that I was able to provide help for seniors, patients, and others in need.
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My name is Alex Misiaszek and I am a rising senior at St. Albans School in Washington DC. I have played the piano since I was four years old and have been working with the Tacy Foundation since I was in the eighth grade. I recently took up a position as Chief Intern this year. Both as a performer and a leader, being a member of the Tacy Foundation has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me as a student, a piano player, and a person. People respond to music in a material way. Whether it is pop, classical, jazz, you name it, audience members become engaged and excited by what they hear. And it's not just the music itself––it's the performance. I have had audience members engage in long conversations with me about performances I have given, commenting more on the way I played than what I played. They are inspired to ask me about myself, my practice habits, my life, and to offer stories about their own lives. I've seen that the more energy I put into a performance, the more energy seems to be conveyed to the audience. It's exciting, thrilling, inspiring to see my passion for the piano conveyed through a musical medium to listeners and to see how they respond. The Tacy Foundation has shown me what sort of impact I can have by spreading my own joy and passion, and shown me what it means to be a leader and a member of the community. As my high school career draws to a close, I know that this understanding of the power of passion will follow me through college, and through the rest of my life.
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As a child, my family and I witnessed a lot of illness. After a car crash that led to the death of my grandmother, my aunt falling in a coma, and a broken leg for me, I was left without hope and in despair. I spent days alone at home while my parents were visiting my aunt in the hospital, not knowing what to do and feeling lost. My guiding light in those desperate times was music. Music was always there for me regardless of what happened. Whether it was moving to a different country and leaving my family behind or celebrating an accomplishment, music was always by my side, guiding me and letting me know that I was not alone. However, I was not happy with simply hearing music; I wanted to play it myself! After years of moving around from country to country, my family and I finally settled down in the United States where I began my piano lessons in the 5th grade. The piano keys became my paint, my fingers my paint brush, and the beautiful music was my completed painting.
Upon discovering Tacy Foundation and its mission in 9th grade, I was extremely excited to join the mission of healing through music. After all, at some point when I had needed healing, music had been there for me. I started my volunteer work with Tacy Foundation at Shady Grove Hospital. Though nervous at first, I began to feel immense happiness everytime a group of people gathered around the piano, watching me play. I remember the first time I ever played at Shady Grove Hospital, a small boy who was visiting his mother told his dad that one day he wanted to play the piano like me. This comment was the first time when I realized that my service to the community and to those around me genuinely makes an impact. My music at that moment had helped the little boy feel better despite his mom being sick, and that matters!
I soon began to expand my work at Shady Grove Hospital and became the Chief Intern for the Liberty Lane Eden Home. As a person who grew up in a different country from her grandparents, going to there and heading the performances always felt like visiting my own grandparents. The residents there became my friends and I started to know about their lives as I took the time to get to know each one of them. As Chief Intern, I was also able to make an impression on the younger children who came in and performed. I often gave out encouraging words and praised them for their community service and empathy in using their weekends to do good for those who need it. Being a Chief Intern has allowed me to experience leadership outside of just school. Through my work with Ms. Holliday, I have discovered that true leadership lies in service to the community.
My service with the Tacy Foundation these past 3.5 years, I have discovered that music is life changing. I look up to Ms. Holliday in her passion and love for helping us teenagers play a part in healing the community around us. I look forward to further working with the Tacy Foundation and am thankful for being able to experience what it feels like to make others happy.
As a child, my family and I witnessed a lot of illness. After a car crash that led to the death of my grandmother, my aunt falling in a coma, and a broken leg for me, I was left without hope and in despair. I spent days alone at home while my parents were visiting my aunt in the hospital, not knowing what to do and feeling lost. My guiding light in those desperate times was music. Music was always there for me regardless of what happened. Whether it was moving to a different country and leaving my family behind or celebrating an accomplishment, music was always by my side, guiding me and letting me know that I was not alone. However, I was not happy with simply hearing music; I wanted to play it myself! After years of moving around from country to country, my family and I finally settled down in the United States where I began my piano lessons in the 5th grade. The piano keys became my paint, my fingers my paint brush, and the beautiful music was my completed painting.
Upon discovering Tacy Foundation and its mission in 9th grade, I was extremely excited to join the mission of healing through music. After all, at some point when I had needed healing, music had been there for me. I started my volunteer work with Tacy Foundation at Shady Grove Hospital. Though nervous at first, I began to feel immense happiness everytime a group of people gathered around the piano, watching me play. I remember the first time I ever played at Shady Grove Hospital, a small boy who was visiting his mother told his dad that one day he wanted to play the piano like me. This comment was the first time when I realized that my service to the community and to those around me genuinely makes an impact. My music at that moment had helped the little boy feel better despite his mom being sick, and that matters!
I soon began to expand my work at Shady Grove Hospital and became the Chief Intern for the Liberty Lane Eden Home. As a person who grew up in a different country from her grandparents, going to the Liberty Lane and heading the performances always felt like visiting my own grandparents. The residents there became my friends and I started to know about their lives as I took the time to get to know each one of them. As Chief Intern, I was also able to make an impression on the younger children who came in and performed. I often gave out encouraging words and praised them for their community service and empathy in using their weekends to do good for those who need it. Being a Chief Intern has allowed me to experience leadership outside of just school. Through my work with Ms. Holliday, I have discovered that true leadership lies in service to the community.
My service with the Tacy Foundation these past 3.5 years, I have discovered that music is life changing. I look up to Ms. Holliday in her passion and love for helping us teenagers play a part in healing the community around us. I look forward to further working with the Tacy Foundation and am thankful for being able to experience what it feels like to make others happy.
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This is Nathan Pan, rising senior.
I started playing piano when I was 6 years old. I studied piano with Dr. Noel Lester at Hood College and currently study with Dr. John Wickelgren at Frederick Community College. I am a recipient of the Shields Music Scholarship from FCC for the past three years. I played piano for the Sunday service for Grace Chinese Church and Emmanuel Trinity Lutheran Church. I have volunteered to play piano at Frederick Memorial Hospital (FMH) through Tacy Foundation almost every Saturday since February 2018. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve the community. I enjoyed it, and love to bring enjoyment to others through music. I am glad when I see big smiles when they hear me playing. Sometimes, people came up to me to say thank you after I finished playing. As a chief intern for the Tacy Foundation at FMH, I greeted and checked in the other volunteers, notified performers of when they would perform, and interacted with volunteers and their parents, hospital staff, patients, and the public.
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Hello! My name is Dhwani and I have been part of The Tacy Foundation and have taken piano lessons since I was 10 years old. My earliest memory with piano is my first Asbury recital. I remember being extremely nervous, but Ms. Holliday came and told me to take a deep breath, to focus on the piece, and to remember that no matter how I played, I would have done a great job helping the seniors feel better. Her encouraging words filled me with confidence! Being part of the Tacy Foundation has had a big impact on my life. It has taught me many great life skills, like time management, determination, and most importantly, care and compassion for others.
I am one of the Chief interns for Piano Pals at Fox Chapel and Clopper Mill elementary schools and for recitals at Asbury Methodist Village, Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, and Holy Cross Hospital. Serving as a chief intern has given me various opportunities to learn from. Piano Pals has given me the chance to work with children who may not otherwise be able to take piano lessons, and it lets me pass on the privileged gift of knowing how to play piano.
My volunteer experience starts from packaging CDs to send to different centers. Partaking in this task really pushed me to record a song of my own to send out on CDs. Since I have joined, my recorded pieces have been sent out to numerous hospitals and other centers to lift the spirits of anyone who listens to them. I love working with children, so being a Piano Pals mentor has really filled my heart! Teaching little kids piano was the highlight of my week! It was amazing to see how much progress they had made throughout the year. It was unfortunate that Piano Pals had to end early this year. I hope to see them all next year!
Reflecting back on my time with The Tacy Foundation, I can most definitely say that these experiences and lessons learnt will always stay with me. I am forever grateful to Ms. Holliday for teaching me music and enriching my life. I hope my last year with the Foundation is filled with many memories.
Thank you!
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Before meeting Ms. Holliday, I hadn’t played piano in more than four years. I associated the keys with fear, anxiety, and old memories from when I was a child. However, I knew that a part of me longed to play music. Ms. Holliday introduced me to her program before my freshman year of high school with an open mind and cordial welcome. She allowed freedom in my studies that made me excited to learn pieces and explore my love for music. With her support, I was able to regain my knowledge and improve my skills exponentially. I eventually found a liking for popular music that my friends and family could enjoy and jazzy music that tested the boundaries of what piano music can sound like.
Performing was another roadblock that I had met with fear. The Tacy Foundation provided me with many opportunities to show my music to different audiences and work through my anxiety of playing in front of others. Oftentimes I would feel intimidated by the young prodigies playing at a tempo way faster than mine; I was afraid that my performance was not up to par. But every time I finished a song and looked back at the people, I was reminded of how warm and loving strangers can be. My favorite memories through my volunteer experience have less to do with my performance and more to do with my interactions with appreciative seniors or passersby at the hospital. I never was the one to have the most outstanding and impressive piece. I fumbled and messed up a generous amount of times. However, I was fulfilled by making someone smile for hearing an upbeat song or singing along to a classic tune. I learned to enjoy the other student’s performances and feel the appreciation for their talents. The Tacy Foundation has taught me the beauty of the piano and how it can make connections with people who may seem completely different from me. I wholeheartedly support the Foundation’s mission to inspire people through music, and I am more than grateful to participate in its endeavors.
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My name is Anika Seth, and I’m a rising senior at Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, Maryland. I’ve been involved with the Tacy Foundation since the first grade, and in the eleven years since, I have had the distinct privilege of growing up both within and alongside the Foundation. Since when I started, in 2009, the Foundation has grown from one live performance a month at the Asbury Assisted Living Home in Gaithersburg, Maryland to over 70 live events a month all across Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the District – and that’s before we consider other projects, like CD recordings and fundraisers.
In an article I wrote last year for the website’s blog describing what the Foundation means to me, I wrote that “the Foundation has taught us [volunteers] to communicate, to listen, to sympathize, and to empathize.”
There has been no time that this sentiment has been truer than the present. We volunteers must remember that while the ongoing covid-19 pandemic continues to affect us all in different ways, we each are blessed with some level of fortune. I know that for me personally, I am lucky to have a comfortable roof over my head, relative financial stability, good health (with respect to myself and my immediate family), and above all, the unending support of my family members. Even when I feel anxious, even when I feel overwhelmed, and even when I feel alone, I have the privilege of falling back on that support, and it keeps me – and so many of us – going, taking it day by day. But for so many members of our community, especially residents of hospitals and senior homes, this is not the case. And to top it all off, they are also the demographic most predisposed to severe covid-19 complications, making this threat still more apparent for them.
There is no time to serve like the present. Amidst quarantine, the Foundation has managed to find a way to continue to make an impact, through a series of at-home covid-19 relief activities, including compiling an online library of live music and sharing it with hospitals and senior homes. We continue to leverage music – a tool that, above all, is used for connections, for hope, and for healing – to spread light in a time of darkness. We continue to leverage music – an activity that, while often misconstrued as primarily competitive, is instead a platform to dream, to share, and to love – to demonstrate our support. And we continue to leverage music to show all members of our community that even when they feel anxious, overwhelmed, and alone, we stand together in solidarity – now and always.
If you are unsure of where to start or where to go next, reach out to me at volunteer.thetacyfoundation@gmail.com or to Mrs. Charlotte Holliday, Founder & Artistic Director, at thetacyfoundation@gmail.com. This summer, let’s all make it our priority to give back to our community. There is no time to serve like the present, and no effort is too big or too small.
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I started playing clarinet with the Tacy Foundation in 2015. At that time, I definitely didn't have the maturity to realize the importance of the work of the Foundation and what I could do, but I'm definitely glad something clicked along the way. Volunteering with the Tacy Foundation has helped me grow both musically and personally, and as I did over the years, I began to see the impact that music can have on individuals in need. Every Tacy Foundation event I went to seemed only to further exemplify this point, and over the years, I've been to dozens of events at Shady Grove and Holy Cross Hospitals, the NIH Clinical Center, Brighton Gardens, and the Eden Homes. I have played at benefit concerts and for supporters of the Tacy Foundation, and I'm glad that I could help the Foundation to expand its wonderful operation and support such a positive cause.
One of my favorite parts of playing at Tacy Foundation events is the interaction with the audience. Of course, my performance is still valuable regardless of whether anyone approaches me about it, but having personal communication gives the experience a direct emotional connection. If I had to select one most memorable aspect to my work with the Foundation, it would have to be from my experiences at the Eden Homes, where I could talk directly to the seniors as I played. I was able to hear many interesting and inspiring stories, such as that of Mr. Taylor, who became a lifelong music and clarinet lover from listening to Benny Goodman's band in his youth living in New York.
I'm proud to have spread hope through my music to those in need for years with the Tacy Foundation, and I'm sure that I will continue to do so for many years in the future. No matter where I end up or what I end up doing, I will be continuing both my music and my service.
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Hi! I'm Josh
I've been working with the Guitar Pals children at Brown Station Elementary School for this entire school year, and teaching them has inspired me to try harder at understanding the guitar. I am not the best when it comes to music theory, but interacting with the kids has pushed me to learn more about my instrument. When I sit the children down and ask them what type of music they like, they always say that they don't know. Then, after I play them some pieces from every genre, their faces light up when the song I play "strikes a chord" with them. One student in particular had trouble showing interest in music, but showing him the inner workings of one of his favorite songs quickly got him intrigued and eager to learn more. Experiences like this make the Guitar Pals program highly rewarding as I help students discover their inner talents and interests!
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Hi! I’m Hana Wang, a chief intern at Hunters Woods at Trails Edge. In my past three years volunteering for the Tacy Foundation, I have accumulated dozens of hours performing at a variety of different retirement homes including Tribute at Heritage in Gainesville, Arbor Terrace in Chantilly, Brightview in Great Falls, and Waltonwoods in Ashburn.
In my freshman year, I joined the Tacy Foundation expecting nothing more than going on stage, performing for seniors, and walking back off while the audience politely claps. I couldn’t have been more wrong. At every Live Music Recital, I am constantly surprised by the various reactions that greet me when I perform. From humming and clapping along to the melody to rocking in their chairs to the beat of the music, these differing responses have shown me how important the impact of music can be in the lives of seniors.
I distinctly remember the first time I performed at a Tacy Foundation event. As soon as I played the first chord of Chopin’s Scherzo No. 1, a resident with matted, pepper-colored hair stood up holding her ears and screamed, “TOO LOUD!” I immediately looked up from the black and white keys and saw caretakers gently helping her sit back down. Yet, with the words ringing in my ears, I continued playing through the entire piece. After the performance, an elderly gentleman came up and shook my hand while thanking me for coming. He recalled a memory from his life about how a tune in the Scherzo was one of his favorite melodies from his childhood. This story was the trigger that inspired me to continue using my gift of music to restore the hope and spirit in residents. Although not all residents will experience the same reaction, everyone that shares their story with me further strengthens my belief to inspire hope, note by note.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I submitted recordings for the Virtual Library playlist that would be sent to hospitals and senior homes. In addition, Chief Intern Michael Yu and I created a music video of “I See the Light” from the movie “Tangled” to add to the Virtual Library. This song reflected how we were hopeful about being able to perform live for the senior residents soon, and how we wished that this video would bring peace and joy to those watching.
I also created a training video with Chief Intern Emily Wu for future chief interns who will continue to spread music throughout senior homes after we graduate. I have learned extremely valuable lessons during my time as a chief intern, and I wish to share them with others.
Reflecting on my past three years with the Tacy Foundation, I have made countless memories from my time volunteering at senior homes and have learned the importance of giving back to the community that has provided for me. The Tacy Foundation has been so impactful for my musical career and I look forward to sharing more music with everyone. Thank you!
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Hello, all! My name is Michael Yu, and I have been part of the Tacy Foundation for two years.
Though my time in the Foundation has been relatively short compared to the other seniors, I wanted to show through my talent that I wanted to be considered part of the organization. I have been playing piano since the age of four, singing since the age of six, and playing violin since the age of eight. With such a variety of musical experience, I was able to bring something new to each performance I went to. With some experience with public speaking, I also that felt confident enough to actually host a few performances.
I first came to know of the Tacy Foundation during the latter half of 2018, when a longtime friend approached me to join some of the performances at one of the Locations the Foundation regularly performs at. Originally, I accepted just for the service hours and for an excuse to practice more things outside of school, choir, and private teacher repertoire. However, as I continued to participate both as a part time host or as a participant, the more I found I enjoyed performing for the residents of whichever nursing home the performance was at. Additionally, I found myself also gaining more confidence in my abilities as a musician and public speaking.
I would say that my fondest memory was when I was given an opportunity to help co chair a few performances with a fellow senior, Hana Wang. I felt as if I had been given the chance to show what leadership capabilities I had and I for sure did not want to disappoint.
Though the Covid-19 pandemic has delayed and shut down many events. I believe we can persevere through these times of uncertainty and come out stronger. I wish everyone good health and good luck for the future and I would like to thank the Tacy Foundation themselves for allowing me to be a part of their mission.
Michael Yu
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Hello, I am Austin Zhu. I serve as Chief Intern and student musician for the Tacy Foundation at the Shady Grove Adventist Hospital. For the past four years, I have been delighted to be a part of this organization that is a clear representation of the generosity and deep connections that music brings to people’s lives.
Even from my first few experiences volunteering, the joy and sense of community brought through music has been profound. From the passing smiles of patients, visitors, and doctors to the crowds that often form around the piano, the extraordinary ability of music to brighten someone’s day has and continues to resonate with me. My eyes have truly been opened as to the opportunities that any musician has to contribute and give back to the community. It is astounding what Mrs. Holliday and the Tacy Foundation have been able to bring to the community by bringing together so many student musicians.
Another defining aspect has been the consistent enthusiasm and encouragement felt for both Mrs. Holliday and the other volunteers. It helps to create a welcoming atmosphere where any performer, no matter how shy, can feel comfortable and more confident performing in public. I always try to embody the same welcoming and encouraging feeling to newer volunteers throughout my work as a Chief Intern. I am extremely grateful to the Tacy Foundation for everything that has made these opportunities possible. I wish everyone safety and good health during these trying times. Thank you.
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All Tacy Foundation volunteers are my brave-hearts,
my heroes!
I think of these Rising Senior High Students as jewels. They are youth who speak hope with their music and with their lives of service.
They are treasures among us.
With outstretched heart and hands, we thank you all!
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