Making Meaningful Connections Through Music at Traditions of Deerfield
Traditions of Deerfield recently welcomed back a familiar face for a remarkable and memorable evening of music.
A Memorable Evening of Music
Mariia Demash, a former server who spent two and a half years working at Traditions of Deerfield, returned to our community, not with a serving tray in hand, but with a portfolio of music and an adorable group of young musicians. Now a piano instructor with seven years of teaching experience, Mariia brought her students to perform their very first concert — right here at Traditions of Deerfield!
“This was my students’ very first concert, and honestly, I was just as nervous as they were — maybe even more!” Mariia shared with a laugh. “ I wanted to make this debut special, because for me, music is about creating positive energy and sharing joy, not stress.”
The joyful spirit of music was felt throughout the entire community. Residents smiled, sang along, and even danced a little as the children played. The energy during the performances was positive; watching the generations interact and connect through music was magic. “The residents were so happy to see me again!” Mariia said. “They smiled, sang along, danced a little, and truly enjoyed being in the moment. Their energy and warmth made the whole experience even more special for the kids.”
A Promise Kept
For Mariia, the visit was more than just a concert. It was a promise kept.
“I missed the residents a lot — they had been asking me for a long time to organize another concert, and I promised I would. So this performance was my way of keeping that promise and giving both the children and the residents something uplifting to share together.”
Their performance was a big hit, and they promised to return.
“We’ll return with a new program and more experience,” she said. “That means even more music, more confidence, and, of course, more positive emotions to share with our wonderful audience.”
“When children and seniors come together through music, it's like watching time dance – the young learning rhythm, the old remembering steps, and both finding a shared song in their hearts,” Traditions of Deerfield Activity Director, Mary Jordan, said.
Stay tuned for future performances — and in the meantime, enjoy these photos from this unforgettable afternoon of meaningful connections through music.
