Recital at The Gardens of Germantown: Hymns and Harmony and A Dual Piano Performance

On April 4th, the Musical Memories Project had the distinct pleasure of visiting The Gardens of Germantown. It was a beautiful day filled with the sounds of legacy and the energy of a new generation, centered around a theme that resonates deeply with our residents: Hymns and Classical Music.

At Musical Memories Project, our mission as a nonprofit is simple: we provide professional-grade live music for seniors. We believe that music is a bridge to the spirit, and this recital was a perfect example of that connection in action.

The Heart of the Program: Hymn Sing-Alongs

Our Music Director, Ms. Maria DeBacco, opened the program with a selection of cherished hymns. For many residents, these melodies are deeply rooted in their personal history. As Maria played, the room filled with voices joining in for classics including:

• Amazing grace by John Newton

• How great thou art - Swedish melody

• His eye is on the sparrow by Charles H. Gabriel

• In the Garden by C. Austin Miles

• The Old Rugged Cross by George Bennard

• Rock of Ages by Thomas Hastings

• Be Still My Soul by Jean Sibelius

• Jesus loves me by William Bradbury

• This Little Light of Mine by Harry Dixon Loes

Student Performances

We were also thrilled to showcase the talents of several young musicians. Bringing different generations together is one of the most rewarding parts of our work.

• Atlas Yuksek: Care Free Johny

• Kerem Yuksek: Little March

• Noah Lim: Smetana, Moldau; B. Marcello, Adagio and Allegro, from Sonata in E minor, op. 1, no. 2

• Emmi Jager: Mozart, Rondo Alla Turca

• Acelynn Saisuphaluck: Mozart, Sonata in C Major, 3rd movement (Rondo: Allegretto)

A Four-Hands Piano Finale

The recital concluded with a spirited "four-hands" piano performance. Ms. Maria DeBacco was joined by her longtime friend, Dr. Paula Amrod, for a selection of high-energy pieces:

• Masquerade by Aram Khachaturian

• Por una cabeza (tango) by Carlos Gardel

• Hungarian dance no 5 by Johannes Brahms

Meet the Artists

Ms. Maria DeBacco (Music Director)
Maria is a distinguished pianist and educator with a Bachelor and Master of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Memphis. Her career spans academia and community instruction, including roles at Georgia College & State University and the University of Memphis Community Music School. As our Music Director, she brings decades of expertise and a heart for service to every senior community we visit.

Dr. Paula Amrod
An Emeritus Professor of Music who served on the faculty of Clarion University from 1981 to 2014, Dr. Amrod holds a Doctor of Music in Piano Literature and Pedagogy from Indiana University Bloomington, as well as Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the University of Memphis. An accomplished soloist and chamber musician, she has performed extensively on campus and with the Easterly Chamber Players, including notable appearances at the National Flute Conventions.

Thank you to the staff and residents of The Gardens of Germantown for welcoming us into your home. We look forward to the next time the music brings us together!