Senior living residents sing along with Rockwall-Heath student pianist

(ROCKWALL, TX – Jan. 3, 2015) It’s not often that one finds a passion and gets to use it in a special way – and for a good cause to boot. But that’s exactly what 17-year-old Rockwall-Heath senior McKenna Blenk gets to do each and every Saturday, using her pianist skills to perform for the residents at Rock Ridge Assisted Living and Memory Care.

McKenna said the idea to play for the senior residents started back in May last year when she decided to tag along with her mom, Laura Blenk, for a visit to Rock Ridge.

“I like playing piano, and my mom already knew people at Rock Ridge so I came with her a couple times,” McKenna said. “I told the residents I’d like to play for them, and then they would start singing along. It was pretty fun.”

The sing-a-long sessions quickly caught on and became a weekly event, with McKenna performing every weekend for the seniors, including the Saturday after Christmas where she played a variety of fun holiday tunes including “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and “Jingle Bells.” Of course, McKenna will stick to songs most of the residents are familiar with to encourage them to sing along.

The seniors will not only sing with her and Laura, some of them will play a few tunes on the piano as well. McKenna said the participation from her listeners is her favorite part about getting to perform at Rock Ridge.

“I like hearing them participate and sing,” she said.

McKenna has been playing piano for 12 years and also participates in theatre arts at the Rockwall Community Playhouse. As for her plans after high school, McKenna said she wants to continue studying music and helping others through that passion.

“I want to do music therapy,” McKenna said. “So hopefully I’ll get to do this more often.”

By Austin Wells, Blue Ribbon News staff writer. 

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