MacArthur musicians leave impression on health care residents

A spontaneous moment that seemed to capture the spirit of the season played out Thursday after a concert at Lexington Health Care Center in Wheeling.

Just after the sixth-grade orchestra from MacArthur Middle School in Prospect Heights wrapped up their holiday performance, an animated discussion broke out -- in Polish.

Resident Stella Stanisowa thanked one of the young violinists, Matt Stadnicki, 12, of Prospect Heights -- a native Polish speaker -- and then she promptly planted a kiss on his cheek to wish him holiday cheer.

"May all of Poland wish you a Merry Christmas," she said in Polish to the youngster.

Then she turned to the rest of the young musicians and summed up her feelings on their stringed instrument performance: "Bravo, bravo!"

The students opened the concert with a rendition of "Twas the Night Before Christmas." Principal Steve Lee read the narration, pausing at points to let the students perform seasonal carols.

"We love to get our students out into the community," Lee said, "especially with seniors. They have so much to offer."

As he read the classic holiday poem, some of the seniors recited it with him. They included residents from Lexington's second and third floors. All were in wheelchairs, and many of them were in the early stages of dementia, said Melissa Rico, activities director.

"A concert like this offers so much sensory stimulation," Rico said. "With dementia, they say that the last sense to go is the love of music."

One of the residents seemed to echo Rico's sentiments. Louise Dalponte said simply, "I love the music."

The more than 20 student performers -- including those on violin, cello and standup bass -- said they loved playing for an audience, especially outside of school.

"I love going on field trips," said Mike Onyszczak, 12, of Arlington Heights, one of three who played the bass.

His classmates added that this was their first community performance of the year, and that they hoped to play another one next semester.

"We love to play for other people," said violinist Antonella Tenerelli, 11, of Arlington Heights, "but it just felt good to play for people during the holidays."

Audience members appeared moved by their performance, and the chance to meet the students afterward. Some, even burst into song, singing their own carols.

Stanisowa sang hers in Polish, singing the first verse of, "Angels We Have Heard on High," culminating with a resounding "Gloria, Gloria," during the refrain. It seemed to prove once again, that the language of music, does indeed break down all barriers.