Torch - Spring 2015

Upper School

Music to our Ears This year at Havergal, four students responded to the question What kind of world do you want? with harmony. Each in their own way, these students brought music to different corners of the city.

Vanessa Koo Vanessa wanted to bring music to individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia. She reached out to a few local care homes to see who would be interested in having Havergal students play for their patients. From that, project 147 Elder came to life. On February 4, Vanessa and nine other students travelled to 147 Elder to play for the patients there. Once the group began to perform their pieces, Vanessa noticed the impact they were having almost immediately. Patients started to conduct the musicians and were moving and responding to the music they were hearing. The experience that Vanessa and the group had was so powerful that they’ll be going back to perform in the spring.

Orli Silverberg Orli had an idea—what if she could combine her love of classical music with her passion for volunteering at the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital? On January 27, in the middle of a snowstorm, Orli and six of her peers did just that. Once the group began to play for their audience of children, parents and caretakers, Orli could feel the impact their music was making. There was a positive reaction and joyful applause from the kids and parents. Orli will once again be performing at Holland Bloorview in the spring.

Anna Hardie & Sophia Matthews Anna and Sophia wanted the opportunity to perform for patients who are suffering from Alzheimer’s. They wanted to bring their love of music to those who could greatly benefit from it. Their passion and drive has led them to team up with Vanessa Koo, and the students will be performing together at 147 Elder in the spring.

TABLE OF CONTENTS | SPRING 2015 • TORCH 17