A typical day sitting on the patio or balcony for residents of Arbor Terrace Willistown turned into a mega theater concert experience one afternoon in mid-August. In the rear patio area of the community, the musical sounds of piano player and vocalist Tom Horn could be heard from residents’ apartment windows, patios and balconies during a socially distanced version of the community’s monthly summer concert series.
The concerts became a hit among residents in summer 2019, with Horn being one of the more popular invited artists. So his return last month was met with anticipation of lively sing-along shows residents have come to expect, featuring a medley of musical genres such as jazz, country western, show tunes and even rock-and-roll.
Because of social distancing standards, only the portion of the community with the best proximity to where Horn was set up was invited to participate. Other buildings will be included for future invited summer series entertainers.
Patio spectators could be heard commenting about how nice it was to get outside and be with people again, sharing music and reminiscing – just enjoying being together.
“Music soothes the soul. To see how their faces light up to have interaction with someone who is not staff or family means a lot,” said Chuck Niccolls, Engagement director. “Some get up and dance and move around, which we encourage as long as they are distanced.”