Finding the right notes

High school student Hayun Cho picks up her flute in front of an eager audience of residents at St. Joseph’s Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care (Mount Hope). It’s a Sunday afternoon and Hayun, who volunteers her talents three times a week, starts playing a few crowd favorites including classics by Mozart and the popular Irish ballad "Danny Boy," which has many residents singing gleefully along.

Hayun began volunteering in 2023 after completing a co-op placement at Mount Hope as part of her high school education. In addition to playing music, she also volunteers her time engaging with residents through art programs and other therapeutic recreation activities.

"I enjoyed the residents and staff during my placement, so I wanted to find a way to stay connected," says Hayun. "I started as a co-op student in the music therapy program to explore how music could be applied in a clinical healthcare setting. Through volunteering, I am now able to continue my passion and love for music with others.”

The volunteer position, called Ambiance Volunteers, was created by music therapist Amy Harris with the help of St. Joseph’s Volunteer Services Team.

“When I first started, I never expected to receive a card from a resident’s family member thanking me for how my music has enriched their lives... it is incredibly touching, and I feel grateful to be part of this heartwarming community.” 

- Hayun Cho, student and volunteer flutist 

"The purpose of our ambiance program at Mount Hope is to create a cozy, entertaining, and home like atmosphere for our residents and their families," explains Amy. "We collaborated with Volunteer Services to assist us in recruiting potential volunteers. As part of the program, families and friends of the residents are also welcome to provide musical entertainment."

Tracy Drenth, St. Joseph’s Volunteer Services Coordinator, emphasizes that partnerships with program areas like this facilitate meaningful placements and opportunities for volunteers that they may not otherwise be aware of.

"We are always seeking fresh approaches to engage volunteers and make them feel like valued members of the St. Joseph’s team, ensuring they have a fulfilling experience with us,” says Tracy.

For Hayun, who hopes to one day pursue a career in health care, volunteering has helped her connect with others in her shared love for music.

"I love playing music and engaging with all the residents," she says. "They often sing along - a resident even sang in German once when I played Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy.' Bringing enjoyment to people's lives, like music did to mine, and knowing that I can be of service to others brings me a lot of joy."

Amy reinforces this sentiment by adding that, “many residents love to come down and listen to her play and enjoy conversations together. It has been very well received and we are incredibly grateful for all our volunteers.”  

“When I first started, I never expected to receive a card from a resident’s family member thanking me for how my music has enriched their lives,” says Hayun. “It is incredibly touching, and I feel grateful to be part of this heartwarming community.”