Middletown students entertain patients with musical project

NEWPORT, R.I. — Two young musicians from Middletown performed music with a message Aug. 15 to brighten the day for patients at Newport Hospital’s Vanderbilt Rehabilitation Center inpatient unit.

Emma Geraghty, who plays the flute, and Grace Patterson, a trumpeter, developed their “M&M Project” at J.H. Gaudet Learning Academy in an independent study program called “Genius Hour.”

The girls, who will begin sixth grade soon, researched how music affects the brain to lift moods and trigger memories. They were inspired by the work of a music therapist at their school.

A gathering of patients, family members, and hospital staff applauded their performances of “Louie Louie,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and excerpts from the “1812 Overture” and “New World Symphony.” They performed “Moon River” as an encore.

As part of their project, Grace and Emma recorded a CD with eight selections, and left copies for patients to enjoy during their hospital stay.

Grace is the daughter of Michael and Stacey Patterson, who is a nurse at Newport Hospital, and Emma is the daughter of Chris and Heather Geraghty, a physical therapist in Vanderbilt Rehabilitation Center’s outpatient department.

Photo caption: Trumpeter Grace Patterson and flutist Emma Geraghty, students at J.H. Gaudet Learning Academy in Middletown, present their “M&M Project” Wednesday Aug. 15 at Newport Hospital’s Vanderbilt Rehabilitation inpatient unit. Patients, staff members, and family show their appreciation for the performance. The girls played several selections and explained their project about how music lifts moods and sparks memories. Andrea Hansen Photography/Lifespan