The End of Another Beginning: The Songbird Performs at Bergen County

On December 27th, the Songbird, a local youth volunteer group from Basking Ridge, performed a concert for the seniors at the Bergen County Health Care Center for the holidays. The Songbird has performed at the same health care center three times before, when the seniors joined hands with the volunteers to spread the warmth of love. Now, in the midst of snowy weather and the joy of the holidays, the Songbird decided to visit the seniors once again.

When the Songbird entered the doors of the center, the were immediately greeted the familiar faces of the workers, as well as the audience members- the seniors. Hugging ensued between the volunteers and the seniors, as the holiday spirit was in the air. Although it was a bittersweet final service of the year for Songbird, the members were still enthusiastic to go up and perform. After all, it was the season of giving. The volunteers were more than excited to put on their santa hats, reindeer ears, and angel headbands for the performance. Once everybody settled down, the Songbird began it’s holiday program.

One by one, each member introduced one another and began to play, sing, and dance. In addition to piano solos, cello sonatas, and violin trios, there were other forms of the performing arts. One example was the ballet dance to the song “Miss You Most” by Mariah Carey. The graceful, yet elegant choreography left an impression of beauty on the seniors, while the rousing Chinese Yo-Yo trio was an electrifying sight to behold. Bringing the performance back to the holidays, there was a multitude of familiar Christmas pieces. One volunteer sang “Walking In A Winter Wonderland”, which brought the cheer of music into the atmosphere of the room. Another volunteer played the piece “Deck the Halls” on the cello accompanied by the piano, the notes flying off the page as the seniors sang along with delight.

In the middle of the performance, the Songbird displayed love and care towards the seniors as they massaged their backs and taught the motions to “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes”, a song that captivated. Seeing the smiles on others faces is why Songbird decides to dedicate their time and energy towards spreading kindness. The Songbird ended their program with “Amazing Grace”, a song that they performed at the Plainfield Church during Thanksgiving. Once again, this song brought peace into the hearts of the audience, and demonstrated the true meaning of the holidays- company with others. When the Songbird finished their program, everybody bowed and wished the members a happy new year. To wish the seniors happy holidays and a joyful season was an extension of Songbird’s own blessing towards those they serve. Some seniors had tears of joy in their eyes, as the performance made their holiday a little more brighter.

Afterward, the members pushed their wheelchairs back to their rooms, and reflected on a year’s worth of services. The Bergen County Health Care Center performance was the end of another beginning for Songbird next year, as this is not the last time Songbird will be performing at the center. In the last two years, the Songbird has completed 10 services in Basking Ridge and 6 outside of the town, making 16 in total. There has been a cumulative amount of 500 volunteer hours for these services. In 2017, the Songbird plans to have an estimated amount of 20 services, 12 of them in Basking Ridge. For the next year, the number of volunteer hours are prospected to be doubled. The Bergen County Health Center performance was a wonderful ending to a great year of loving, giving, and sharing. From adopting Finley Avenue in July to sweeping the same streets of Finley in December, the Songbird has been continuously reaching a helping hand towards those in the community, as well as the community itself. Every member of Songbird, each parent and child, expresses their gratitude to have the opportunity of taking part in this organization.As the year comes to a close, the Songbird is getting ready for another year of services, making each year better than the last, and extending its reach further across communities. By spreading their wings and singing the tune of music, the Songbird strives to fly another level in the year to come.