Holiday Performance by High School Volunteer Ensemble "Music Mates"

On a chilly December 15th evening, local high school volunteers brightened the holidays for residents at Holly Manor Center, a nursing home in Mendham, NJ. A musical ensemble called “Music Mates” played Holiday favorites for the residents, many of whom sang along and clapped for the performance.

The eight (8) dedicated members took time out from their busy high school schedules to put together their last performance of 2024, with more to come next year. All Music Mates members are also members of the West Morris Mendham High School Orchestra, so they have the talent and dedication needed for this volunteer effort.

Sophia Keoskey, a Senior at West Morris Mendham High School, founded Music Mates in 2023 with the goal of performing for local long-term care residents who can no longer get out to enjoy live performances, a program known as “Music Through the Ages.” “More than anything, we love to see the joy our music brings to these folks especially during the Holiday Season,” Keoskey said. “I could not be more proud and thankful for my fellow Music Mates and their work ethic. They rehearse and prepare for these string ensemble performances while involved with school, sports, and college preparation. They always show up to bring a smile to the faces of these older folks.”

Sophia hopes to pass the torch of leadership to younger members once she starts college in 2025, so that the music lives on. Her 11-year-old brother, Aleksey, a Mendham Township Middle School student, is also involved and joined the group for their Sunday night performance, playing along on the less-difficult pieces. “Hopefully Aleksey will continue this right through high school, along with his classmates”, Keoskey said. “I would love to see this program passed down from year to year”.