The school’s music department features a variety of programs, including Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band, and holds concerts and performances throughout the year. For the organization Keys for Kindness, performances and passion for music are a vehicle for community service.
Twin brothers Andre Wang (10), the president of Keys for Kindness, and Ethan Wang (10), the vice president, spoke about the club’s goal to spread their “passion for music.”
“As [we have both been] piano players for over 10 years, we wanted to do something special with music since we are so passionate about it, and we thought there would not be a better way to share it than playing piano for [the community],” Andre said.
The club visits locations across the community to perform.
“We wanted to give back to the community,” Ethan said. “Our club goes to retirement homes … We play music for the people there so they can enjoy it.”
In addition to a desire to give back, Andre and Ethan drew inspiration from their piano teacher, Elena Edgar, who taught them since they were six years old.
“Our piano teacher encouraged us to do something nice,” Andre said.
Edgar expressed her support for the club.
“I immediately loved the idea,” Edgar said. “Beyond pursuing their own individual excellence, using their talent to bring comfort and joy to senior residents felt like such a beautiful purpose.”
Edgar watched her students perform during one of the club meetings.
“Seeing them perform brought tears to my eyes and a rush of pride that left me speechless,” Edgar said.
The club wants to expand its reach even further.
“We have mostly been going to retirement homes,” Ethan said. “But we are going to be planning to go to a hospital soon.”
Students who want to join the club and perform can reach out online.
“You can follow us [on Instagram] at keys_forkindness,” Andre said. “You can also email us.”
For Edgar, the best part of the club is that she gets to witness her students’ growth.
“The boys who felt so shy and unsure were now confident pianists sharing something truly meaningful with the community,” Edgar said.
