Minnesota high school band and orchestra entertain at Oak Park Arms Senior Living

The Albert Lea High School Band and Orchestra from Minnesota took a trip to perform for residents of the Oak Park Arms on March 9. The band and orchestra performed three pieces at the Oak Park Arms: “Knights of Destiny” by Michael Sweeney, “Nettleton” arranged by Johnnie Vinson, and “Aztec Fire” by Jay Bocook.

Albert Lea High School is located in Albert Lea, Minnesota, which is 100 miles straight south of Minneapolis. The school has 1,200 students, 500 of whom participate in at least one music ensemble (band, orchestra, or choir). Each ensemble performs four concerts a year. In addition, there are several smaller groups such as a Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Band, and Show Choir.

“The seniors at the Oak Park Arms love music and to have musicians from out of state perform was extra special,” said Renee Steingard, director of resident engagement at the Oak Park Arms. “The High Schoolers are very talented, and we are excited to see them again next time they are in the Chicgaoland area.”

The band and orchestra tour together every other year with the choir touring in the opposite years. Other tour destinations have included Orlando, Washington, DC, and Colorado. While in Chicago, students went to the Museum of Science and Industry, the Art Institute, the Field Museum, and Skydeck.

Nevaeh Walchoz on sax performs with Albert Lea HS Band and Orchestra for the residents at Oak Park Arms Saturday, March 9, 2024, in Oak Park, Ill.
Oak Park Arms residents Nancy Thornton and Marg Schwarz watch the Albert Lea HS Band and Orchestra perform at Oak Park Arms Saturday, March 9, 2024, in Oak Park, Ill.
Albert Lea HS student Josie Peterson on violin and Nevaeh Walchoz on sax perform with Albert Lea HS Band and Orchestra for the residents at Oak Park Arms Saturday, March 9, 2024, in Oak Park, Ill.
Albert Lea HS student Merik Hardison on violin performs with Albert Lea HS Band and Orchestra for the residents at Oak Park Arms Saturday, March 9, 2024, in Oak Park, Ill.
Rebekah Crissinger leads the Albert Lea HS Band and Orchestra as they perform for the residents at Oak Park Arms Saturday, March 9, 2024, in Oak Park, Ill.
Albert Lea HS student Lee Roldan on bass performs with Albert Lea HS Band and Orchestra for the residents at Oak Park Arms Saturday, March 9, 2024, in Oak Park, Ill.

Oak Park Arms Senior Living is a rental retirement community that provides senior housing in the form of independent living. A licensed home care agency is onsite to provide support services for seniors. An award-winning adult day care program is located inside the Arms. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month, or longer.

For more information, call 708-386-4040.