By Eric Martin
John XXIII College’s music students have embodied the Catholic tradition of love and service for others by providing musical soirees for the residents of Mercy Village, Wembley.
The co-ed school is a community where students strive to live the values of the Catholic Church in an authentic and contemporary way.
At a time when many elderly people, especially those over 70 years of age, find themselves struggling with the necessity of social isolation requirements, which keeps them from their families and grandchildren, John XXIII has put together a programme that brings every resident together within the shared experience of music.
The first performance was with John XXIII College’s Alumnus Class of 2018, led by the college’s current music tutor in jazz piano, Peter Lucas, who performed from a balcony while residents listened (spaced at 1.5m) from below.
“Mercy Village has such a great community spirit, so a live balcony concert where all the residents can come together as one and enjoy, while still observing social distancing, is amazing,” MercyCare Aged Care Executive Director, Joanne Penman said.
“A feeling of community is still important, if not more important, during these uncertain times. John XXIII College’s beautiful gesture with this concert recognises the importance of community spirit, and the strength people can draw from that.
“Our residents’ wellbeing and mental health is as important as their physical health. Alongside providing excellent care, residents need connection to those that matter most to them – their family and loved ones,” she added.
And it wasn’t just the residents who enjoyed the performance, with Mr Lucas loving the opportunity to play before a live audience once again.
“They were smiling and dancing and clapping,” Mr Lucas said, speaking with The Post Newspaper on 25 April.
“It was super-uplifting for me as well.”
The Record spoke with Ms Janeen Murphy, John XXIII’s Director of Faith and Mission, who explained that within and beyond the college community, students were encouraged to be of service to others through informal and formal opportunities of service, making the soirees an expression not just of community spirit, but one of genuine Christian faith in action.
“The artists have thoroughly enjoyed performing for the residents and the performances have been very generously received,” Ms Murphy said.
The second performance featured John XXIII’s Head of Music James Kros, Music tutor Nick Pitt, and Violin tutor Julia Watson.
Mr Kros has been particularly excited about the ability to perform before an audience again, especially one that has been so affected by the impact of social distancing.
“The arts have been hugely impacted by cautionary restrictions in recent months, and it has been so enjoyable to share live music with a live audience – albeit in a very different format.” Mr Kros said.
“I can’t think of a worthier cause to perform our music than for people who have had limited social access and may have not even ventured beyond their doorsteps in weeks.
“Our team have the performances being broadcast omni-directionally, so even those without a direct window the concerts have been able to enjoy the music,” he continued.
“To play music with others again has been heart-warming, but to share it with others has been a true joy.”
Ms Murphy will head back to Mercy Village this Thursday (14 May) with nine John XXIII College students to again perform from the balcony to the residents.
This concert will feature Year 12 ATAR musicians, performing a repertoire from their upcoming recitals in range of genres – from music theatre to classical and jazz.
“Our relationship with local aged-care residences is something we are very keen to continue into the future,” Ms Murphy said.
“Whether the weather will let us continue doing so, we will see.”