By Sam Osborne Messenger-Inquirer | Posted: Tuesday, February 24, 2015 12:00 am
The Panther Pianists of Kentucky Wesleyan College, comprised of student musicians, will perform at the Elizabeth Munday Senior Center, 1650 W. Second St., at 11:30 a.m. Thursday.
The group was formed in 2011 to perform at senior assisted-living centers each Thursday. Diane Earle, professor of music at KWC, founded the program to give students an enriching experience outside of the classroom.
“I really want my students to experience the service learning aspect,” she said. “The students really enjoy the experience, they are able to grow as musicians and people.
The residents love it, they gather round and often make requests. My hope is it will inspire my students to continue doing community service with their music long after they graduate.”
Freshman Isabella Eades is in her second semester with the Panther Pianists. Eades, who will perform Chopin’s Nocturne Op. 72, No. 1 and the duet “Over the Rainbow” Thursday with Earle, said she looks forward to the Thursday performances.
“I love playing for Panther Pianists because it gives me an opportunity to share the joy of music with the elderly people,” she said. “I love brightening their day and seeing them smile.”
Junior Amber Bryant is in her fourth semester with the Panther Pianists and she said loves the opportunity to sharpen her skills and bring joy to audiences.
“Panther Pianists has helped shaped me as a musician because I get more experience playing in front of an audience,” Bryant said. “I love the reactions of our audiences whenever we play something they recognize and love.”
Students will perform classical and popular solos and duets at Thursday’s performance. Earle said performances typically last from 30 to 45 minutes. The program is free and open to the public.
Sam Osborne, Messenger-Inquirer
(270) 691-7315, E-mail: [email protected]
Courtesy Messenger-Inquirer