December 15, 2020

This summer the Decorah Community School District Music Department prioritized connecting to the community through music as one of their core goals for the 2020-21 school year. Recently the K-4 students in Decorah partnered with the Arlin Falck Assisted Living Center to share music with all ages.

As part of the project, the residents recorded songs from their childhood for Decorah students. The students then watched these videos as a part of the lessons they completed at home during the five weeks of Hybrid Learning.  After watching the videos, John Cline and Carrie Lee students recorded videos of themselves singing songs or thanking the residents for sending the songs they had recorded.  Despite the isolation created by COVID, Decorah students and the residents of Arlin Falck made connections through their childhood music experiences.

Residents reflected on the experience and shared these quotes:

“The students were all so polite, and it was great hearing them introduce themselves.”

“It doesn’t get any better than seeing children smile and enjoy themselves.”

“Those kids all must have wonderful teachers and parents who encourage them.”

“How brave of them to sing and play solos.”

“It is a wonderful feeling to know the children (and their parents and teachers) care about US here at Arlin Falck Assisted Living.”

“It was so fun to hear some familiar songs as well as learning new ones.”