Photo Credit: CFISDNews
Cy Ranch HS Music Therapy Club unites students, community through outreach
By Brianna Trinidad Gautier, Cypress Ranch HS, A CFISD Journalism Network collaboration
The Cypress Ranch High School Music Therapy Club brings students together to connect and share their skills and talents with residents at local nursing homes, offering a therapeutic experience that resonates deeply within the community.
“I love playing music and the residents don’t get a lot of entertainment,” said Nisha Raghavan, Cypress Ranch senior and Music Therapy Club president. “When I see this club, I look at it as a bridge between health care and music. Since when I’m older, I’d like to be a doctor.”
The mission of Music Therapy Club, which is sponsored by orchestra teacher Elizabeth Ledford, is to support orchestra, band and choir students with a passion for music and connect them with the elderly who may not have much socialization. During visits each month, the students perform a variety of music ranging from classical to more new-age tunes, carefully selected to engage and bring comfort to residents.
“A lot of these residents have dementia and hearing music can help them bring back memories from childhood as well as make them feel less alone,” Raghavan said. “I believe that music can have a lot of positive benefits. Music can make you feel better in the moment and can help you get in touch with your feelings, improving memory and presence.”
Cypress Ranch junior and club member Hannah Nguyen said she enjoys playing romantic and classical music. Nguyen said she enjoys how the club allows students to appreciate the community, providing a connection to those who might feel alone.
The club provides life-changing experiences for students, building skills like empathy, leadership and a deep understanding of the world.
Source: CFISD
