The Bronxville Middle School Chamber Music Ensemble, led by Ms. Claire Stancarone, took a holiday field trip to Lawrence Hospital Center Wednesday afternoon. The children, all students of the strings in either viola, violin, bass or cello, uplifted patients and delighted visitors to the hospital center. They performed traditional Christmas masterpieces such as "Silent Night," "Good Kind Wenceslas" "Away in a Manger," "The First Noel," and "and "We wish you a Merry Christmas." At the conclusion of the performance, the audience insisted on an encore, and the ensemble indulged them!
Ms. Claire Stancarone was proud of her students, and she said they were there to "raise the vibration" in the hospital and "spread holiday cheer." Ms. Stancarone added that "the best part was that the students felt appreciated for being who they are, and for sharing who they are. They did it because they wanted to, and playing music is a joyful experience, and not about grades or material things. That they experienced the joy of giving is a truly beautiful thing."
Seventh graders Kirsten Ircha and Anna Normand said they "just wanted to make people happy." The President and CEO of Lawrence Hospital Center, Mr. Edward Dinan, said he hoped the Bronxville music students would make this part of their annual holiday traditions! The children left their visit gratified that they had cheered many patients, shared with them their love of music, and hopefully added to their holiday spirit.....Merry Christmas!
Written by Jane Elizabeth Ircha
