Making a difference
Community OutreachOutreach to the community is a pivotal activity of the AMSF. Since its inception in 1988, the AMSF has faithfully served the community by performing in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Homes, Independent Senior Living Communities, Retirement Communities, Libraries, Hospitals, and the Veterans Home in DC. In addition, in 2007, AMSF donated a Grand piano to the veterans at the Comprehensive Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Washington DC. The AMSF also restored a Steinway M piano for the Washington Home and Hospice in 1999.
Community Outreach
Outreach Expansion
The contribution of the late Anne Williams to sustaining this vibrant program over the decades cannot be overstated. Anne was the pillar of strength and the driving force behind its success up until her incapacitating illness in early 2020, just before the pandemic. Ensuing restrictions on in-person performances because of the pandemic further crippled the program. However, in recent years the Outreach program has rebounded and has expanded considerably to 12 performances per year, or once per month, under the direction of Carol Henry, Anne’s successor. This has allowed the AMSF to cover a much wider territory in the DMV with regular recitals at the following venues:
- Arbor Ridge Nursing Home at Riderwood in Silver Spring MD
- Asbury Kindley Assisted Living in Gaithersburg MD
- Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Sandy Spring MD
- Chevy Chase House Assisted Living in Washington DC
- Grace House Assisted Living in Silver Spring MD
- Raphael House Assisted Living in Rockville MD
- Vinson Hall Retirement Community in McClean VA
- Waltonwood Retirement Community in Ashburn VA
Now that the pandemic is behind us, it is hoped that we will be able to continue to re-connect with previous organizations (such as the Georgetown Seniors and the VA), and even add more venues in the future as the AMSF membership increases.
Outreach Impact
The impact of the AMSF Community Outreach is immense, as reflected by the overwhelmingly positive feedback we receive consistently from the residents after our recitals, and the appreciative smiles on the faces of residents as they listen to our musical renditions. One must bear in mind that AMSF members voluntarily provide entertainment for residents who would otherwise be unable to experience the joy of live performances. In fact, the demand is so high for the type of vocal and instrumental music we provide, that it would not be a stretch to imagine Community Outreach schedules of twice per month in the future. There was even a request from one Home for us to come every day at 4:00 p.m. to perform for their “Happy Hour!” Without a doubt, the AMSF can rest assured that an invaluable service is being provided to the local community.
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Outreach Participation
Unlike residential recitals, the time allocation for Outreach recitals is restricted to one hour at most venues. That restriction tends to limit the number of participants that can be accommodated to between 4 and 8. Nevertheless, participation has been good, and Community Outreach has attracted solos, duets, trios, quartets, ensembles, and the ever-popular sing-alongs. We have even had an Irish jig dance at one recital. Instruments have included piano (usually available at the venue), flute, clarinet, guitar, strings, cornet, French Horn, ukulele and even a concertina. There are no restrictions on the type of instrument or music selected. Members of any level from beginner to advanced are encouraged to participate. Audiences range from small (10-15) to large (40-50), but they are all very appreciative and encouraging and are usually quite vocal about telling us. In fact, members will discover that invariably they get back much more than they give at Community Outreach recitals, and they will leave feeling uplifted and fulfilled!
“Use the talents you possess, for the woods would be silent if no birds sang except the best.” Henry Van Dyke
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Austin Blair, Kit Chan, and Mary Lewers perform for Vinson Hall residents in April 2023
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Coordinator of Community Outreach, Carol Henry, impersonates Mozart!
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Ilya Rabinovich performs for Riderwood residents in March 2022
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Russel Munk, Carol Henry, Judith Block and Alberto Gamez at Raphael House
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Ling Ye, Ed Fizdale, and Carolyn Lincoln entertain residents of Raphael House in September 2022
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VA Home Plaque
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Celebrating Christmas with residents of Grace House in Dec. 2022. Carol Henry, Richard Zierdt, and Claudette Sikora. (1)
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Celebrating birthdays of 2 residents after recital at Grace House. Michelle Powell, Carol Henry, Olga Vovk, Jung Kim and Claudette Sikora
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Claudette Sikora demonstrates an Irish Jig at Chevy Chase House in March 2023
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Celebrating St. Patrick’s day at Chevy Chase House in DC. Seated – Claudette Sikora, Sharon Atteh-Chi, Michelle Powell. Standing-Alberto Gamez,
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Victor Dyni entertains residents of Chevy Chase House in DC in September 2017
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Residents of Chevy Chase House in DC enjoy a recital in October 2022
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Carolyn Lincoln and Carol Henry play violin duets for residents of Brooke Grove in July 22