Youngchurch
Making music together S
econd-grade students from St. Paul Lutheran School and resi- dents of Bartels Lutheran Retire- ment Community in Waverly, Iowa, strike a common chord together dur- ing a music therapy program. The “Common Chord” program, established more than five years ago, brings the students together with the elderly each month for about an hour of musical activities and social interaction.
“It is cool to go to Bartels to meet new friends because it’s fun!” said student Will Alexander. Student Isabel Thier added: “They (the residents) are really happy when we arrive.”
Crystal Berkenes and Nicki Gam- ble, music therapists at Bartels, are responsible for the activities planned for the students and residents. They coordinate with Eliza Boots, second- grade teacher at St. Paul (www.
stpaulswaverly.org/school). Activities range from basic sing- alongs to creating simple instruments to simply focusing on specific move- ments with music. For example, the students in April made shakers out of plastic eggs and used them to keep the beat with the music. And there is always time for social interaction among the students and residents.
Send stories of your youth group (pre- school-confirmation age) to: Andrea Pohlmann Kulik , 8765 W. Higgins Rd., Chicago IL 60631; andrea.pohlmann@
thelutheran.org.
Music therapy is defined as using music to reach nonmusical goals. But with this program, the benefit is reciprocal: the stu- dents give the gift of music but they also receive the gift of friendship. All look forward to the next meeting when they can again make a musical connection. Gamble said she
40 The Lutheran •
www.thelutheran.org
Lois Felderman, a resident of Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community, Waverly, Iowa, and Avery Wrage get ready to keep the beat with shakers made out of plastic eggs. St. Paul Lutheran School participates in a music therapy program that brings students and residents together for fun and friendship.
isn’t aware of any other music therapy programs in Iowa that are making this special connection among residents and young students. “The Bartels residents absolutely love the energy the kids bring,” she said.
“They become so excited when they are singing songs that they all know, together. It is definitely worth our time and effort. Common Chord benefits both the kids and the residents.” Student Sasha Wilson echoes this sentiment: “I like going there to sing songs and to see new friends.” St. Paul’s principal, Christi Lines, sums it up: “At St. Paul’s we are grateful for our partnership with Bartels. The second-graders develop a special rela- tionship with their friends through monthly visits. These experiences provide opportunities for students to share their love of music and to learn to love and respect the older generation. Music provides a medium for communication and an outlet to share their joy.” And the relationship between Bartels and the school extends beyond the Common Chord program. Students at all grade levels become very comfort- able in the environment at Bartels through other opportunities for visits. First- and second-graders plant flowers there each spring. The fifth-graders each have a special friend at Bartels with whom they visit on a monthly basis. And all grade levels share Christmas gifts in December. M
Krismar Ramker
Ramker, a wife and stay-at-home mom of three boys, is a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Waverly, Iowa.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52