Marklund welcomes back Wheaton Academy orchestra

Posted May 31, 2024 11:47 pm

By Dawn Lassiter-Brueske, Marklund

Sitting among his friends, staff and volunteers, Marklund resident Jimmy enjoys listening to the music of the Wheaton Academy Orchestra during an afternoon concert at the Marklund Hyde Center in Geneva. Courtesy of Sam Payton

Residents of the Marklund Hyde Center in Geneva recently enjoyed a magical musical performance by the Wheaton Academy Orchestra.

For over a decade, from 2008 to 2019, the academy brought its talented musicians to Marklund to share their music with the men and women who have severe and profound developmental disabilities who resident at Marklund.

Marklund resident Erin is all smiles while listening to the Wheaton Academy Orchestra performance at Marklund Hyde Center in Geneva. Courtesy of Sam Payton

After a pause during the COVID pandemic years, Marklund was able to welcome the orchestra back.

“Their beautiful music filled our halls, bringing smiles to our residents' faces,” said Nikki Osterloh, manager of volunteer engagement, who arranged the afternoon event with the assistance of staff and volunteers.

Marklund resident Nick relaxes as he listens to the classical music by the Wheaton Academy orchestra at Marklund Hyde Center in Geneva. Courtesy of Sam Payton

“Thank you, to the young talented musicians, and their director, Steve Willemssen, for giving of their time to create unforgettable moments through music,” Osterloh said.

Members of the Wheaton Academy Orchestra pose with some of their audience after a concert held at the Marklund Hyde Center in Geneva. Courtesy of Sam Payton

Marklund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves infants, children, teens and adults with severe and profound developmental disabilities and special health care needs.

It has three residential locations: Marklund Hyde Center in Geneva, Marklund Philip Center in Bloomingdale, and Marklund Wasmond Center in Elgin.

Now through June, Marklund is looking to raise $100,000 for the expansion and renovation project currently underway at Marklund’s Wasmond Center in Elgin. This project will help modernize the facility to better serve residents, students and clients, while expanding to serve even more children and adults with developmental disabilities into the future.

Resident Lesa shares her excitement about the concert with Marklund staff member Bernadette Pauls. Courtesy of Sam Payton

For information, visit www.marklund.org or facebook.com/MarklundCharity/.

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