High school senior Rachel Rodgers, granddaughter of Carolyn Briggs of Fredonia, is making a difference in the lives and health of long-term care patients in hospitals in eastern New York with her Visiting Young Musicians Program. Rodgers, a jazz flutist and pianist, started the program through the Girl Scouts, and along with other young musicians and vocalists, she visits children and seniors in hospitals and care facilities to share with them the joy of music, performing live concerts for those who can gather in common areas and giving those who can't leave their rooms CD recordings.
According to the Lewisboro Ledger, Rodgers' program earned the Girl Scouts Gold Award. This award is given to service projects which are sustainable beyond the creator's involvement. Because Rodgers has involved so many other young people with a passion for music and the generosity to share it, this requirement does not pose an issue. Rodgers has even created a handbook for her program, so that new musicians who join will understand its importance and ensure its continuing success.
Rodgers has recorded an ensemble jazz record at Avatar Studios for Capri Records, according to the Lewisboro Ledger, and constantly practices her craft to remain competitive for her upcoming college career, during which she plans to study both classical and jazz flute. In addition to making a local name for herself, her program has also drawn the attention of prestigious media outlets like NPR.
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Jazz flutist and pianist Rachel Rodgers is the granddaughter of Carolyn Briggs of Fredonia.
And though Rodgers' future career promises to be bright, she does not lose focus on the here and now. She is working as diligently as ever to bring the healing power of music to nearby children and seniors, who feel the music's effects long after she and her fellow musicians have stopped playing.
Rodgers is quoted in the Lewisboro Ledger as saying, "When I perform, I feel proud seeing their glowing faces and smiles, knowing that I am soothing their pain with my music."
