Young Folks in an Old Folks Home

The week before Christmas break, Ms. Dai Da Silva and Ms. Laura Danneker led the 3rd-grade class to St. Anne's Home for the Elderly here in Diósd to perform a Christmas concert for its residents. 

 

 

Students performed various Christmas songs, both in English and Hungarian, to the great delight of the residents. Audience members enjoyed seeing the children's childlike playfulness and courage, with one lady repeatedly saying just how precious they were. In addition to singing, many Hungarian speakers in the class were brave enough to speak and translate to the audience. Though Ms. Laura Danneker had asked one of ICSB's Hungarian staff members to translate, there was little need to do so as the children endearingly rose to the occasion and did much of the translation and public speaking themselves. 

 

 

After the planned performances, children also had the opportunity to share pieces they had worked on independently on the piano. The students eagerly took turns to share their talents. Pieces ranged from various Christmas carols to one student's standout performance of the Für Elise. The audience was amazed and amused at the student's eagerness to perform. 

 

 

At the very end, the kitchen staff of St. Anne's treated the children to some snacks and juice before returning to ICSB. 

What a blessing this was to everyone involved. Both the residents and staff of St. Anne's Home for the Elderly were very appreciative that the students and their teachers took the time to be there. For the students, this was an essential service experience. For their teachers, it was moving to see their hard work pay off as they beamed with pride over the courage and sensitivity the students displayed toward the older people of St. Anne's. We are grateful to Ms. Da Silva and Ms. Danneker for investing not only in the education and musicianship of these students but also in building their character and servant heart.