A Concert That Resonated With Residents Residents at both communities were quick to share their admiration—not just for the students’ musical talents, but for their dedication and heart. At Cedarhurst of St. Charles, Mary Jo Verhulst praised the orchestra as “very good overall,” noting how dedicated and well-balanced the ensemble sounded. She enjoyed the variety of music and described the performance as “a wonderful change of pace” that brought something fresh to the community. Janet Penn shared that the music was “very good” and that the students’ passion was clear: “It was a great length—not too long—and wonderful to see kids who love their music this much.” Ruth expressed deep appreciation for the students’ generosity of time and talent: “It feels good knowing these young people are learning to play such beautiful instruments— and then sharing that with us.” Carolyn Trill, a longtime lover of orchestral music, said she was thrilled to hear such a polished performance from young musicians. At Cedarhurst of Tesson Heights, nearly 35 residents attended the performance. Former music teacher Barb Boedges offered high praise: “They made the music come alive. There was great attention to musical detail. The performance was professionally done with a good variety of selections.”
A Community Partnership That Makes a Difference
What made these concerts even more memorable wasn’t just the music—it was the mission. Cedarhurst residents weren’t just an audience; they were participants in something bigger than a single performance. They were part of a movement led by young people determined to lift others. Through their partnership with Cedarhurst, the students saw firsthand how their music could bring joy to seniors. Our residents felt inspired by their generosity. And together, both communities helped fuel a project that supports some of St. Louis’s most vulnerable children. It was more than a concert. It was a reminder of what can happen when generations come together with open hearts and a shared purpose.
Resident Doris Lake summed it up simply: “I give them a 10! So good for their age.”
Each performance is a testament to the orchestra’s commitment to using music as a tool for connection, compassion, and change.
CEDARHURST SENIOR LIVING | WINTER FLOURISH 2026 29
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs