Farmington High School Citizenship in Action at Senior Cafe

The Senior Cafe is an annual event sponsored by the Farmington Public School's music department in collaboration with the department of social services, the Senior Center of Farmington, and the Friends of Music. Each year senior citizens and FHS musicians meet new intergenerational friends or see "old" friends they have met in the past years. It is an evening of fun, food, and lots of music in the high school cafeteria. The senior citizens in town reserve a seat through the the agencies of social services and the senior center. The Department of Social Services provides transportation and paper products through monies from a state grant.

Students select their own music that is appropriate for this audience. The program varies each year depending upon student interest and choice. This year the program began with a chamber group performing a string quartet by composer, Alexander Borodin. Choral groups of various voicing performed renaissance pieces, sea chanteys, Beatles' song in addition to other selections. Small groups with voices were accompanied by piano, ukeleles and guitars performed a range of music from Frank Sinatra tunes to popular songs of the day. An addition to the program last year, a sing-along song section, was instituted by a student leader and now has become a popular annual component.

The Farmington Friends of Music donate the full menu for the dinner and they assemble the food on the date of the event. Student waiters take orders and deliver the food to each table. Students greet their guests and introduce themselves engaging in conversation to meet community members.

This annual event fosters student character and creativity through community service, parent empowerment, and collaboration between our community organizations. The Farmington Public School's music department provides programs that invite our senior citizens to the school and enjoy their company at these events. We look forward to another Senior Cafe event in June with musical selections centered around jazz and string music.

For more information: fb.me/FarmingtonMUSIC, District Music Website, Friends of Music Website @FarmingtonMUSIC