Students from San Benito High School’s life skills program
brought a little holiday spirit to two local nursing homes
Thursday.
HOLLISTER
Students from San Benito High School’s life skills program brought a little holiday spirit to two local nursing homes Thursday.
Accompanied by instructional aid Glenn Ichien on guitar, more than 20 handicapped students delivered stirring renditions of four Christmas staples, including “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” And although they may be musical novices, the students followed an old showbiz adage – leave your audience wanting more.
“I guess we’ve got another gig,” Ichien said as the class rushed from one concert to the next.
Mayvin Orellana, activities director at the William and Inez Mabie Skilled Nursing Facility and the Mabie Northside Skilled Nursing Facility, said residents at both locations were delighted.
“I was watching their faces, and they had some wonderful smiles,” Orellana said.
A number of community groups visit the nursing facilities to sing songs and volunteer, she said, but the life skills program brings a special energy to their performances.
“They’re such happy kids,” Orellana said.
Putting together the short concerts took about a month of rehearsal. Ichien said that as the class practiced, he could watch some of the kids losing their shyness and inhibitions.
“This was their loudest concert yet,” he said.
Teachers Tania DeLeon and Ramona Trevino agreed that the performances were a good experience for both their students and the nursing facilities’ residents. Their interaction wasn’t limited to singing – before the concerts, the students walked around the room greeting their audience.
“They like going around and talking to everyone,” DeLeon said. “They’re not afraid.”
Brandon Henry said he enjoyed getting the chance to sing for an audience. His favorite song, he said, is “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
“That makes everyone happy,” he said.
Trevino hopes to bring the class back next year. Before then, some students may also visit the nursing facilities to read to the residents or help with other activities.
“Hopefully, they’ll have us back next year,” Ichien said. “I think they liked us. At least I didn’t see anyone with their hands over their ears.”
