Megan Frederick
Local students went out of their way this holiday season for British Columbia seniors by creating personalized videos for three nursing homes.
COVID-19 made it difficult this year and with the holidays here, Jazz 12 students from Okanagan Mission Secondary have used their talents at playing instruments while their teacher used her editing skills to lift the seniors’ spirits.
“Like everyone else, I was really moved by the challenges long-term care facilities faced during this pandemic and I understand what it is like not to be able to see your loved ones at this point,” said Megan Frederick, music director at OKM Secondary.
“This project gave my students a performance goal to work towards, taught them the importance of giving back and supporting our elderly population, and hopefully brought a little joy to everyone in the long-term care facilities.”
Frederick reached out to three nursing homes, two of which are in Kelowna – Glenmore Lodge and Spring Valley Care Home, as well as Stuart Lake Hospital, Frederick’s hometown of Fort St. James, a small community particularly hard hit by the virus.
“We teach students how to make contributions to their communities and the world,” said Kevin Kaardal, school superintendent / CEO.
“Whether you’re giving back through personalized cards, generous donations or creative virtual concerts, we’re proud of the thousands of contributors in our school district.”
Family members of residents sent pictures and videos with messages for their loved ones, which were included in the video.
The students recorded their individual performances on their instruments to the song Silver Bells, and Mrs. Frederick edited the performances together.
“We have enjoyed the performance of the OKM music program for years,” said Moyra Baxter, Chair of the Board of Education.
“It is heartwarming to see how hard everyone is trying to use virtual performances to find new ways to connect people during this holiday season. Thank you Ms. Frederick and students.”
You can find all three performances here.
