“The soaring sounds of a symphony orchestra poured from the doors of Holy Names Music Center on a recent Tuesday morning,” writes Cindy Hval in Thursday’s (4/25) Spokesman-Review (Spokane, WA). “The Project Joy Symphony Orchestra was rehearsing for their final performance of the season. Boasting more than 50 members, this full orchestra … is conducted by Kevin Heckmatpanah, music director of the Gonzaga Symphony Orchestra and professor of music at Gonzaga University.… The [Project Joy] orchestra is just one of 40 acts featured by Project Joy, [which] offers a wealth of musical talent provided by 220 entertainers age 50 and older. The acts perform at area retirement centers, assisted living facilities and community centers…. Marge McFaul, 94 … ‘started playing violin in the fourth grade,’ she said. But music took a backseat when she married and had 10 kids. ‘For 45 years, I didn’t play, and then I got into fiddling,’ McFaul said…. While most of the symphony orchestra’s members are seniors, a few younger folks have joined.” Says Kellen Kanagy, a 27-year-old violinist in the orchestra, “There are so many great people here from many different places. Music and this orchestra gathers people together.”
Posted April 26, 2019
