A Reflection on the Bellarmine Virtual Concert Series

By Max Amend, Founder

During this difficult time of sheltering-in-place, I found myself with more “free” time than I usually would have had. While on a run in Willow Glen, I passed by one of the assisted living facilities where I had volunteered to do service earlier in the school year. As I passed by, the activities director was just arriving for the day ahead. Seeing her enter the building prompted me to think of the elderly citizens in our community who are unable to see their families. I know how much joy children bring into the lives of the elderly so I contemplated different ways of finding ways to reach them in terms of the pandemic.

I am the service coordinator for my school’s Chamber Orchestra, and I personally knew that many of the students at my school would be willing to step up and work with me to create something for the elderly. So...I reached out and the response was terrific! Both students and faculty wanted to participate and before I knew what was happening I had enough at home performances to make a concert. The submissions just kept on coming and then I had enough for a concert series! The Bellarmine Virtual Concert Series ran for three weeks in May and were initially shared with 60+ assisted living homes across the greater Bay Area. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, my school’s ensembles were unable to perform in their Spring Concerts, so I just created an added virtual concert to honor and showcase the work of our ensembles. Please enjoy!

Below are the links for the virtual concerts that have been released thus far as part of the Bellarmine Virtual Concert Series. Please feel free to pass these on to your family and friends, especially anyone who is self-quarantining or just lonely. As I stated above, this concert series was initially intended for the elderly or those living in assisted living facilities, but at this time everyone could use a little music in their life!

5/4/2020 Bellarmine Virtual Concert

5/11/2020 Bellarmine Virtual Concert #2

5/18/2020 Bellarmine Virtual Concert #3

6/15/2020 **ADDED**Bellarmine Virtual Concert

To view a total collection of the concerts or to view potential future concerts click HERE

Max Amend

16 June 2020

Bellarmine College Preparatoy

San Jose, California