Music Ministry and Upcoming Piano Recital

Church of the Holy Cross Musical Outreach
Musical outreach programs are regularly offered at the Hilo Life Care Center as well as at the Pohai Malama Care Center by Jean Pierre (JP) Thoma. Other musicians, including Pastor Eric Anderson, choir accompanist Kanako Okita, and the Holy Cross Church choir have also participated, bringing singing opportunities and instrumental music to the patients of both facilities.

It is well known that music can stir deep emotions and even memories in patients who may have little touch with their life histories due to Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Many patients who ordinarily show little responsiveness have recalled spiritual or folk songs from their past, smiling and singing along with the music.

Piano music benefits the care givers as well, setting a mood of com-fort and peace. Next Tuesday, Sept. 27, at the Life Care Center, JP and Kanako will be bringing a special program featuring music from Kanako’s upcoming recital at the Church of the Holy Cross. To make sure you don’t miss that, check the story below.
Kanako Okita’s First Piano Recital Saturday, October 1, 2016, 2 p.m.
Kanako Okita tells us that this is her very first piano recital on the Big Island. Although she reports that she has not graduated from any music university, she has always enjoyed playing the piano and belongs to the piano club of Chuo University. She reminisces that when she came to Hawaii from Japan, she felt uneasy and lonely having left her job, friends and the city that she was most familiar with. However, she says “The music always is nearby me. Thanks to a piano, I met members of Holy Cross and was able to get a lot of ties. A piano is a medium that gives me encounter with various people, salvation, a friend and a former teacher. The day of my recital is going to be one of the best days in my life.”
She will perform in the sanctuary. Admission is free.