A violinist from Kentucky brought some joy to residents living at the Altenheim Senior Health Care Community in Louisville on Wednesday (March 25) afternoon. They have not had any visitors since March 10 when Governor Andy Beshear ordered all nursing homes and long-term care facilities to restrict visitors to protect vulnerable residents from contracting COVID-19.
Matthew Lane, who owns Lane & Edwards Violins, broke out his violin and started serenading residents from outside their windows.
"Someone can open a window and listen to us play a song. And that connection is important, especially for people who can't leave and can't get out," Lane told WDRB.
He moved around to each side of the building, playing classical music along with hits by The Beatles, and songs from The Sound of Music.
"People feel isolated," Lane said. "Especially vulnerable categories of people like residents of nursing homes. Music is one way to connect without being right next to someone. And this is one of the ways that we, as musicians, who have to practice our instruments anyways, can do that."
Lane said that it is important for members of the community to take care of people at times like this.
"We really want to be cognizant of what the Governor has asked us to do," Lane said. "What we need to do to be healthy and for each other. But taking care of others as good neighbors is good too. And this is one of the ways that we, as musicians, who have to practice our instruments anyways, can do that."
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