Teen Brings Harmony to The Springs at Monarch Landing
If 16-year old Steven X Shi is representative of his generation, the future of our society is in good hands. The sophomore at Naperville North High School is founder of and pianist for the classical musical ensemble Harmony. "Harmony is a musical term and it also represents our goal, which is to bring people together and make them happier through music," he said. The group of Steven's fellow high school students performs regularly for the residents of The Springs at Monarch Landing. The Springs provides assisted living memory support, rehabilitation and skilled nursing.
Steven said that he got the idea to launch Harmony from his grandparents. "They live in China so the only way they can hear me play music is through Skype calls. Sometimes, their friends would be at home too, and they all told me that they loved it. Their appreciation is what led me to believe that seniors would love the music that children play," he said. Harmony performs for the residents at The Springs monthly.
Steven said that it was easy to recruit other musicians to join Harmony. "We were all interested in giving back to the community and we thought this would be great because of our love for music," he said. Harmony includes two freshmen, seven sophomores and a senior. Most, but not all of the students are in the school's orchestra or band programs.
"We are delighted to have Harmony perform for us for so many reasons," said Kylie Edmonds, life enrichment assistant at The Springs. "The residents love music, and the intergenerational aspect of the performances is wonderful. Music and young people is just a perfect combination."
Steve described what motivates him. "I think the most defining aspect about me is that other people's happiness is what makes me happy. That's the main reason behind pretty much everything that I do. After our performance today, a senior walked up to me with tears in her eyes and simply said, 'I love you.' The amount of gratitude and joy that I could see on her face was so humbling. Those moments are what I live for."
Monarch Landing is a Life Plan Community located on a scenic campus in Naperville, Illinois-named "one of America's best places to live and retire" by Modern Maturity, and "the best city for early retirement" by Kiplinger. Monarch Landing offers independent living, promoting a vibrant life style for active seniors. The Springs at Monarch Landing offers assisted living memory support, rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, thus providing complete continuing care for seniors. Monarch Landing is owned by Senior Care Development and managed by Life Care Services. For additional information visit www.WelcomeToMonarchLanding.com or www.TheSpringsatMonarchLanding.com.