Imagine strolling by one of Evanston's senior living facilities at just the right moment. There, you might be greeted by the enchanting sounds of a musical performance brought to life by a group of passionate Northwestern students. Crescendo for a Cause has made it their mission to spread joy through music at these local senior living havens.

"Uniting Through Music: Crescendo's Impact on Evanston Seniors"

Performing at Local Senior Living Facilities

Crescendo for a Cause takes center stage at renowned local senior living facilities such as The Merion, The Pearl of Evanston, Trulee Evanston, and The Mather. These performances are not just about the music; they are about creating moments of pure delight for the residents. As you step into the auditoriums, you can feel the energy and the love that the students pour into every note. It's a sight to behold, with the seniors sitting back, listening intently, and often finding themselves humming along to the familiar tunes.The club's dedication to these facilities is evident in the regular performances they offer. Whether it's a sunny afternoon or a cozy evening, the music fills the air and brings a sense of warmth and connection to the residents. It's a reminder that music has the power to transcend age and bring people together.

Providing Opportunities for Non-Majors

Formed about three years ago on the Northwestern campus, Crescendo is an NU chapter of a national organization. What sets it apart is its inclusive nature. It does not require auditions to join, opening up a world of musical possibilities for students who may not have had such opportunities otherwise. As Jonathan Chen, a Weinberg junior and co-President, points out, "Not to ruffle feathers, but I think Northwestern compared to other peer institutions really doesn’t have as many opportunities for non-majors in music. Usually, you don’t see that type of engagement with non-majors when you have a big conservatory on campus. But, if you’re coming to college with this huge, world renowned music school, you are expecting to have some sort of further engagement."For non-majors like Ned Yu, a Weinberg sophomore, Crescendo became an outlet for his musical passions. He even wrote part of his NU application about his desire to pursue music in college. And he finds great joy in seeing the seniors enjoy their music. "Seeing all of these seniors enjoy our music, whatever it is, it brings a smile to my face, and it makes me really happy inside," he says.

Building Confidence and Creating Memories

Ceriani, a Weinberg senior and co-President, credits Crescendo with helping her build confidence in her singing. The "low-stakes environment" and the encouragement from the audience members have played a significant role in this. As she shares, "I’ve been singing my entire life. I was always scared to sing in front of people. One of the reasons that I really love this club is because it’s a very chill environment. If I can sing in front of my grandma, I can sing in front of these people who are other people’s grandmas."Elizabeth Hsu, a Bienen freshman and a voice and opera performance major, also finds great meaning in rehearsing with new friends. The nature of Crescendo concerts allows her to explore different musical genres and expand her repertoire. "There’s a lot of freedom in doing these kinds of performances that you get more freedom with the repertoire you play," she says. "I would normally never sing this repertoire, so it’s just really fun all around."For Erika Ruiz-Yamamoto, a Weinberg sophomore, the purpose of volunteering through Crescendo has been a source of joy. One of her favorite memories is from her first concert with the group. "I’m performing, and I look up and I just see the smiles on all these residents’ faces," she recalls. "I take my bow and these people come up to me and they say, ‘Your music really touched me.’ And that’s really the greatest gift that you can have as a musician."Crescendo not only brings joy to the seniors but also provides certified volunteer hours for the students. It's a win-win situation where everyone involved benefits from the power of music.