Saints Share the Gift of Music

When Alex Farabaugh '27 was learning to play the piano as a kid growing up in the Pittsburgh area, his music teacher would arrange for her recital students to play at local nursing homes to entertain residents. That experience inspired him to organize musically talented Saints to spread the same happiness to the elderly in the Capital Region.

Farabaugh is in Siena's joint pre-med program with Albany Medical Center, and as he got to know fellow students in the program, he noted that many also played instruments. Recalling his own musical community outreach back home, he suggested earlier this year that they and other Saints who like to play share their love of music with those who can't get out to hear live performances.

"There are a lot of Siena students who like to play and were looking for an outlet for it," explained Farabaugh. "It's always worth the time to bring joy to people and to connect with them, especially the elderly, who are often forgotten."

The musicians played at four local nursing homes and assisted living centers during the spring semester, and have a similar touring schedule this fall.

Farabaugh said the group doesn't have formal rehearsals; anyone who is available on a certain date can take part in a gig. About 8-10 students from a larger roster of 20 will perform short pieces on their instruments for residents gathered in the home's common area and if the mood in the room is right, they will lead a sing-along of a popular tune or two.

Richard Putorti, music director in the chaplain's office, provides a different angle on the origin story. One day he overheard Farabaugh "playing the piano beautifully" in the Chapel, not the first time he had overheard a student practicing. He suggested to Farabaugh that they combine their talents, perhaps for a campus concert, or just to share their love of music. Completely unprompted, Farabaugh asked Putorti if he knew of any local nursing homes whose residents might enjoy the music.

"It is impressive that a young college student would organize an opportunity to serve the elderly by sharing musical talent," said Putorti. "Alex and the group indeed exemplify the charisms of a Siena Saint and serve the 'least of these' as our Catholic faith calls us to do."

When pianist Christie Jaoude '28 was first approached to join the group, she said yes, but tentatively. She wasn't sure how the time commitment would fit into her schedule, and didn't really know if the outings would make any impact.

"I was proven wrong immediately after arriving at the first nursing home we played at, where a huge room was filled with dozens of elderly residents, attentive and ready to hear us play," she recalled. "They clapped after each performance and even sang along to our impromptu rendition of 'Sweet Caroline.' That moment was one of my favorites from being a part of this group, and definitely reaffirmed my decision to join. Now, instead of worrying about the time commitment, I look forward to getting off campus for our performances and engaging with our community in such a fun and mutually beneficial way."

Every touring music group needs a manager, and Krish Seth '28 fulfills that role. Seth helps Farabaugh with logistics by organizing the student musicians and picking out schedules for them based on the nursing home's availabilities, and handling transportation.

"It's always amazing to see how much joy the music brings to everyone in the room," he said. "Seeing the residents sing along, smile, or even just tap their feet reminds me how meaningful music and these visits can be."

A specific moment that really meant a lot to the group was during their first-ever performance at Millview of Latham, an assisted living facility in Cohoes.

"After the performance finished, all the residents gave us a big thank you and one of the nursing home directors presented us with a thank you plaque. Seeing that on our first visit was very motivating in continuing the group and expanding it, and reminded Alex and me why it was important to keep doing this."

Aivin Le '28, who plays piano and viola, said, "My favorite part is when we play a sing-along song and the residents sing and sway along with us as we play music."