Friends Academy students brought warmth and melody to the Regency at Glen Cove, captivating about 40 seniors with a heartfelt program of piano performances.
Performing a range of musical pieces the Nov. 5 program, which began at 3:30 p.m., included “Cossack Dance” by Jacques Aubert, “Whirling Leaves,” by Nancy and Randall Faberand “Rodeo” by Aaron Copland, as well as “Waltz in A Minor” by Frédéric Chopin and three renditions of Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Für Elise.”
The lineup also featured “Green Dragon” by Mason Eckstein, a vocal performance of “Moonlight Over the Lotus Pond” and an original composition titled “Opus No. 1” by Friends Academy Lower School student Skylar Kelly. Before the performance, several students shared they were nervous, some excited, and a few admitted they were encouraged by their parents to participate.
“I find it (music) really relaxing,” said Pippa Keats, a performer and student at Friends Academy Lower School. “It makes me calm.” Fellow performer Peter Tully, also a Lower School student, said that while he enjoys playing piano, he sometimes wishes he could be doing “other things.”
Peter’s mother, Carmella, organized the event at the Regency alongside Friends Academy parent Karen Keats—Pippa’s mother. “It’s really fun for me to come here,” Carmella told the audience, which included her own mother, Millie. “I always have all these friends bring these children here and to share the joy with them and to teach them about seniors and what happiness is all about.”
Michael Keats, Pippa’s father and a member of the Friends Academy Board of Trustees, praised the students for their courage and generosity in sharing their music. “Learning music and studying it is a very solitary effort,” he said. “It’s not fun until you get to share it with the audience.”
The Regency at Glen Cove offers independent living, assisted living and specialized memory care services for seniors. The center also provides a wide range of social, recreational and wellness programs. Residents at the center consistently showered each performer with applause and praise.
Friends Academy Lower and Middle School Principal Alfred (Rik) Dugan expressed his admiration for the students and organizers. “I have the great joy in my life of being with these amazing students every day,” he said. “Today, we saw another side of their talent and ability.”
Dugan added that he hoped to continue working with the Regency on future events. “We really value our partnership with all of you,” he said. Turning to his students, he added, “You’re amazing.”
