Carson Montessori students bring holiday concert to home of music teacher with Parkinson’s
Students of the Carson Montessori school brought a special holiday treat to a music teacher diagnosed with Parkinson's in the form of a private concert on her lawn.
Former Concertmaster and current Education Director Sue Jesch has taught violin and viola and performed professionally for more than 30 years.
She began playing in the Carson City Symphony when she moved to Nevada in 2004, and she became founding director of the Symphony's successful Strings in the Schools and Strings in the Summer programs in 2005.
She is also the recipient of the 2011 Nevada Governor's Arts Award for Leadership in Arts Education.
Three years ago, Jesch was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, and teacher Aja Harger knew she needed to do something.
“Sue was my daughter’s violin teacher, and it was heartbreaking to see how Parkinson’s was changing her life,” said Harger. “We wanted to create some peace for her and let her know that we care about her.”
So for the third year in a row, Carson Montessori School students came to Jesch’s front lawn to bring her a concert.
“Remember this is a gift you are giving to Ms. Sue,” Harger told the 50 or so students as they lined up on the front lawn, a sea of Santa hats and winter coats. “And Ms. Sue loves music.”
Jesch’s son Matt lives in Holland, but he didn’t miss out on the concert; he listened through Facetime, and the students waved and gave an international hello.
The 3rd and 4th graders, with two 6th graders thrown into the mix, sang holiday songs from Jingle Bells to Hallelujah and I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas, which was a crowd favorite.
“This is the best present in the world,” Jesch told the students once the concert had finished. “Even if I may not be able to do everything I used to, I have so many things to be grateful for. This is truly the best present anyone could give.”
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