Walnut Choir Students Spread Holiday Joy with Classroom Grant
by Abigayle Frazier-Hansen
This past December, students from Walnut Middle School filled local long-term care facilities with holiday cheer, thanks to a Classroom Grant from the GIPS Foundation. The Walnut Holiday Harmony project gave sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade choir students the opportunity to share their music with senior residents in place of their traditional winter concert.
For many of the students, this was their first time visiting a nursing home, but they quickly saw the power of music in action. “My favorite part was seeing all their smiles,” said eighth-grader Gabriella Enck-Herrold. “It was really nice.” Seventh-grader Henry Heinz agreed, adding that afterwards, “they came up to us and told us how great we did.”
The students performed a variety of holiday songs, with "Home for the Holidays" standing out as a favorite. “I have experience not being home for the holidays,” said Ian Widga, an eighth-grade student. “I can definitely relate to the fact that you want to be home and with all your family and friends.” Others enjoyed the challenge of learning the "Holiday Hand Jive", a song that combined singing with intricate hand movements.
Beyond the music, the experience created meaningful connections between students and residents. Gabriella shared that one resident approached her and her friends to thank them for performing. “I thought it was really sweet.” Seventh-grader Carter Ritchie reflected on how music can bring people together: “Seeing the smiles on their faces made me feel like I’m doing a good thing.”
The event also reinforced the emotional and cognitive benefits of music, particularly for older adults. “Music has a really big impact on people because it has a lot of meaning behind it. It’s not something you can really forget,” Henry explained. Ian said, “I have a lot of older family members who might not be the best with memory, but they do really resonate with music and I feel that some of those people today probably did too.” The smiles on the residents’ faces confirmed that the choir students had a positive impact.
Through the Walnut Holiday Harmony project, students learned not only about performance but also about kindness, empathy, and the importance of community. As they hugged residents and waved goodbye, they knew the experience had made a lasting impact—one that will resonate long after the last note has faded.
If this story has sparked an idea for YOUR school or classroom, learn more here.
"music has so many genres and different types of music that no matter what you're going to find something you can resonate with and relate to" - Ian Widga
"it's always just great to see that what you're doing puts a smile on their faces and you know, it gives you hope" - Carter Ritchie
"even though some seniors have problems with their memory, they never forget music and it always has a special place in their heart" - Henry Heinz
"I loved watching their faces bright up and get all happy and excited as they heard good songs from children." - Aubrey Littlejohn
"when you hear music, it's something you'll remember. And it helps you remember what happened in the past" - Gabriela Enckherrold
Read Central Nebraska Today's coverage of this project here or below.
Walnut Middle School students sign [sic] for residents at Tabitha at Prairie Commons
Central Nebraska Today
Brian Neben
Dec 17, 2024 | 3:55 PM
GRAND ISLAND — Students from Walnut Middle School sang for the residents of Tabitha at Prairie Commons during the afternoon of Tuesday, Dec. 17.
“Instead of a traditional winter concert, the choir will embark on a heartwarming ‘mini tour’ of Tabitha at Prairie Commons performing a selection of festive songs and carols,” according to Grand Island Public Schools.
Students from the 6th grade choir, followed by the 7th and 8th grade choir sang several holiday themed songs for the residents. Later they combined into one group to first sign Happy Birthday to one of the residents before closing out with a joint piece.
“This unique initiative aims to foster intergenerational connections and bring holiday cheer to area seniors,” according to GIPS.
The Walnut Holiday Harmony event was made possible in part due to a Grand Island Public Schools Foundation grant of $350.
