DORCHESTER, MA— For Nancy Doran, a lifelong musician, sitting down at the piano in a room full of people is when she feels the most at home. At her lively performances, audience members gather close, sing along, and celebrate a shared love of music.
In her younger years, Nancy had performed at several senior communities. Once she moved into Standish Village Assisted Living and began practicing the piano again, she knew she wanted to be back in front of a crowd. Soon, she went to the Standish Village team with the idea to do a sing-along to “The Sound of Music.”
The community excitedly worked with Nancy to put together a performance program for the attendees, including a lyric book, so that the residents of Standish Village could participate in the musical experience. The turnout was outstanding, and from then on, the community’s team knew they had a star in the making.
“Nancy was beaming from ear to ear after that first performance,” shared Jenn Thoren, Standish Village’s Executive Director. “She shared with me how confident she feels when she is playing piano, and we knew we had to nurture that feeling in any way possible.”
Nancy then went on to play throughout the holiday season, even adorning a special Thanksgiving-themed headband for her fall performance. For the Valentine’s Day season, she was inspired to take her show on the road to Cornerstone at Canton, one of Standish Village’s sister communities, where she was met by a warm and welcoming crowd. Attendees shared how incredible it was to see Nancy perform, bringing so many people together by a shared love of music.
“It was very enjoyable, and I just love music of all kinds,” said Rose Marie Bonica, a Cornerstone at Canton resident. “I would have her back in a minute!”
“When residents hear that Nancy is performing, they will drop everything to come and listen,” Jenn Thoren said. “It’s just amazing to see how much support Nancy has, and to know that the whole community is behind her, singing along and cheering her on.”
Nancy’s musical journey has been shared across Senior Living Residences (SLR), Standish Village’s parent company, as an example of what individualized programming can look like.
“When Jenn shared with me the story of Nancy rediscovering her passion for performing, I thought, ‘This! This is what Standish Village is all about,” said President and CEO, Tadd Clelland. “Our team members are really great at recognizing that spark in a resident and finding opportunities for them to explore that interest further. Sometimes, it blossoms into something more, a new passion or a sense of purpose. When that happens, it’s just beautiful.”
Nancy looks forward to upcoming performances of Broadway show tunes at Standish Village and Cornerstone at Canton, which residents are eagerly anticipating. She now jumps at the chance to share her love of music with her friends and the greater community. When she hears the notes of the piano and the beautiful voices in perfect harmony, she feels the audience embracing her for what she loves to do. After years of practicing piano and honing her craft, and then rediscovering her love of performing, hearing the audience’s applause is the sweetest final note.
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
