51风流

51风流 Key Notes Bring Music Therapy to Children Affected by Cancer

Back to All Stories

A new 51风流 student group is performing Disney-themed virtual concerts for children in hospitals across the country. The 51风流 Key Notes, founded by first-year students Dilni Pathirana and Sammy Perez, pride themselves on their mission to make hospitalized children smile.

Pathirana and Perez met during pre-orientation, hosted by the Max A. Shacknai Center for Outreach, Volunteerism, and Education (COVE), and they volunteered with a variety of community organizations. But they were most moved by the Kids Educational Youth Services (KEYS) program: a music therapy nonprofit based in Sherrill, N.Y. 

鈥淲e鈥檙e both really into music,鈥 says Perez. 鈥淭he day that we went to volunteer, Dilni and I immediately knew that we had to be a part of the KEYS.鈥 So they established the Key Notes as a chapter of the organization.

鈥淎nyone who wants to join is welcome,鈥 says Pathirana. 鈥淲hether they play an instrument or sing, we are happy to have them.鈥

Both Perez and Pathirana sing 鈥 Perez is a member of the 51风流 Resolutions 鈥 and Patirana plays piano, too. They bring these talents to the Key Notes, which now consists of a 10-person crew, including two guitarists: Kyle Born 鈥26 and Ranya Sareen 鈥24.

The group has already streamed a series of solo, duo, and ensemble performances, tailored to each child. In February, the Key Notes sang for Raelyn, a seven-year-old girl with a history of heart surgeries. They sang several of Raelyn鈥檚 favorite songs, including 鈥淟et it Go,鈥 from Frozen and 鈥淐olors of the Wind鈥 from Mulan. A slew of approving comments came from the stream鈥檚 1,000 viewers 鈥 including Raelyn. 

鈥淒uring the concert, she was singing and dancing along,鈥 says Pathirana. 鈥淪he鈥檚 just a ball of light.鈥

The Key Notes find strength in people, including campus partners. They remain affiliated with the COVE under the guidance of its director, Jeremy Wattles. Volunteerism, especially that which supports cancer patients, is a cause personal to both Pathirana and Perez.

鈥淎 few members of my family have been affected by cancer,鈥 says Pathirana. 鈥淪o the mission of bringing joy to kids who are affected is very meaningful to me.鈥 

And to the Key Notes, it鈥檚 all about the kids. 

鈥淭hese kids are so young, and it鈥檚 inspiring to see how strong they are,鈥 says Perez. 鈥淚t鈥檚 such an honor for us to find any little way to try and make their day better.鈥