The goal of this program is to create a stronger bond between Northwestern students and the community through volunteer performances at nursing homes in the area. The locations thus far are the Mather Place at the Georgian, King Home, Mather Pavilion at Wagner, and The Wealshire and The Ponds of Wealshire.
Students should call the location to set up dates and times for performances and also inquire about chairs and stands. Each location is thoroughly excited to have music students perform. Soloists and ensembles are all welcome.
King Home 1515 Oak Ave. (corner of Oak and Grove) Male retirement center and nursing home Contact Person and Phone: Cynthia, Activities Director (847)866-2125 Scheduling is usually done a month in advance. However, they are flexible. Day or night times. Performance Venue: Husk Gallery Equiptment: 1 grand piano, 2 uprights.
Mather Place at the Georgian 422 Davis St (off of Hinman Ave.) Independent Living Facility. Contact Person and Phone: Alice Lepard, Director of Resident Services (847)492-4630 Scheduling is usually done at least a week in advance (for activity calendar). Afternoons and some evenings (especially Monday) on M, T, Th, and F. Performance VenueL French room Equiptment: Steinway piano
Mather Pavilion at Wagner 820 Foster St. (just east of Foster el stop and west of Sherman) Nursing Home Contact Person and Phone: Mike Fehland, Manager of Activities/Volunteer Resources (847)492-7711 [email protected] Scheduling a week in advance is prefered, but they are flexible. Any day between 10-11:30AM, 1:30-5PM, and 7-8PM. Equiptment: 1 Steinway piano, and an upright on every floor (5 floors) Students need to bring their own music stands. Performance Venue: either in a resident dining room or in the Pavillion Room for a larger performance. About the residents and performance situations: This is a great place to practice for your recital or gain performance experience. They will have an Activity Staff person work with all of the performers to make things run more smoothly. As a nursing home, Mather Pavilion at Wagner primarily serves the elderly (the average age of the residents is 89). Performances should be under 45 minutes (sometimes 15-20 minutes is enough). Residents enjoy both listening to performances and talking after or during a performance (learning about the performers and the instruments they play, etc.). Soloists and ensembles are all greatly appreciated. Classical music and jazz are strongly welcomed. It is not necessary, but it would be nice for the performers to stay for a bit afterward to talk, maybe have some refreshments, and to help bring the residents to and from the performance room. If you know a few basic songs that people can sing along to (Happy Birthday, You Are My Sunshine, or anything from their generation), you may be asked to play them for a resident. Vocalists are also welcome! Call Mike with any questions.
The Wealshire and The Ponds of Wealshire 150-170 Jamestown Lane, Lincolnshire, IL 60069 Contact Person and Phone: Kari Gibson, Director of Activity Therapy. (847)883-9000 Equiptment: Piano available. Students will need to bring their own music stands.
