So far, I have visited Webster House
three times and have performed 50-minute solo piano recitals for the residents
each time. Before beginning PACT, I had expected that they would probably have
somewhat enjoyed my playing, but definitely not been super enthusiastic about
it or anything. Also, I wouldn’t have expected them to remain so quiet during
my playing because having played at past senior centers, the audience sometimes
would make distracting noises or begin to speak inadvertently. I definitely was
in for a surprise. The senior citizens were some of the kindest and most eager
audience members I’ve ever seen. They would converse with me before and after I
played, saying things like “you made my day.” In fact, after the second time I
played here, they even kindly offered to make a small contribution (which I
declined). One of the residents, who actually used to play for the Palo Alto
Philharmonic which I had soloed with as a sixth grader, donated a beautiful,
new piano and asked me to be the first person to perform on it. I think that it
wasn’t only the music that they enjoyed, but also the fact that I was young;
many older people, I think, enjoy spending time with youth because we tend to
be vibrant. Their satisfaction with my efforts left me deeply honored and
gratified. Furthermore, I realized the significance of playing in an intimate setting
versus a grandeur concert hall. Honestly, my PACT work has been one of my
biggest highlights this summer (2015) and has left me inspired to perform in
more outreaches.
