The Power of Music

Awty students are using their musical talents for something different this year: for the Power of Music Club.

Started by sophomore Vivian Wu, the Power of Music Club is a way for Awty upper school musicians to come together and perform for different hospitals and retirement homes. The club started at the beginning of September and has been a success ever since.

The Power of Music Club has performed at three hospitals since November: At the Brazos Towers Retirement Homes, Texas Children’s Hospital and the St. Dominic Village, a senior care community. Some of the songs they played included “La Vie en Rose,” “My girl,” “Canon in D,” and “Love me Tender.” At Texas Children’s Hospital, the club played Christmas-themed songs such as “Jingle Bells,” “Grandma got run over by a Reindeer,” and “Rudolph the Reindeer” which they had help singing from some excited kids listening. 

Many students in the club agree that by performing for different audiences, it has helped them to improve their own skills. 

“We are developing our musical skills as well as our social skills,” stated sophomore Meera Vashisht. 

“It’s so cool to see people enjoying our music,” added sophomore Dalya Mawlawi. “It shows what music is all about: bringing joy to people.” 

President and founder Vivian Wu says she first came up with idea of the club when she was practicing the cello. She describes becoming quickly frustrated when she wasn’t able to hit the right notes on the fretboard. 

“I decided to take a break. Instead of getting a snack or going on my phone I just printed a bunch of sheet music of pop songs from online and started to play them for fun,” says Wu. 

After doing this, she remembered how enjoyable it was to play music simply for fun and without stress. This gave her the idea to create a club that would combine playing fun music for a noble cause. By performing at hospitals and senior homes, students could perform easy and fun songs while also bringing people joy.  

Wu plans to continue the club throughout her next three years at Awty until she can pass on the role of president to someone in a younger class.