By JEFF MARTIN
In the quiet corners of adult day care centers and nursing homes across Western New York, the gentle sound of a harp can often be heard, thanks to the kindness and generosity of Ellicottville resident, Annette Ieda.
“I believe it’s important to give back to the community,” Annette said. “My husband attended weekly respite services run by local churches. These four-hour periods gave me a much-needed break to keep my sanity, whether I was shopping or hiking. It was a free service, and now I’m giving back to the places that helped us during such a difficult time.”
Annette’s husband, who was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), passed away after their 47th year of marriage. Her dedication to volunteering, especially in nursing homes and hospices, stems from a personal desire to repay the community that supported her when she was a full-time caregiver.
through her involvement with the Cantata, a local choral group. Over the past
12 years, she has helped lead seven weekly sessions culminating in two concerts,
all while raising funds for a local food pantry. “We have a group of dedicated
singers, many of whom have enjoyed this experience for the fi rst time
since high school or college,” she says. “They love the music, I love the music,
and the audience loves it. It’s a win-win all around.”
For Annette, music became not just a passion, but also a path toward healing.
One of her proudest accomplishments is mentoring her harp student, Grace Kwagalakwe, a junior in high school who first heard Annette’s harp at an outdoor concert in Ellicottville a few years ago. Grace was so captivated by the sound of the harp that she eagerly agreed to take lessons from Annette. Now, the two share the joy of playing together at Michias’ “Pines” Nursing Home.
“I’ve watched Grace grow so much,” Annette reflects. “She’s blossomed into a talented young musician, and it’s wonderful to see her join me in sharing music with the residents.”
The power of music to uplift spirits is something Annette has witnessed firsthand. At the nursing homes and adult day care centers where she volunteers, the soothing strains of her harp bring joy not only to the residents but also to the staff who often express their gratitude. These performances, which have now led to paid gigs, also provide valuable exposure and experience for Annette as a musician.
“I’ve learned so much from playing in these settings,” she explains. “Every performance is a reminder of why I do this – it’s a win, win, win. The residents are happy, the staff is happy, and I gain experience that has led to paid opportunities. It’s a beautiful cycle of giving and receiving.”
Annette’s dedication to music extends beyond her volunteer work. She has been a long-time member of the Orchard Park Symphony, a volunteer-based orchestra where she and her fellow musicians perform for the pure love of music. “It was my 52nd year with the orchestra this year,” Annette says with pride. “We don’t get paid, but we don’t need to. We just bring our experience, practice, and dedication to produce beautiful concerts. It’s something I can continue doing for the rest of my life.”
In addition to her work at the Symphony, Annette has built a loyal following through her involvement with the Cantata, a local choral group. Over the past 12 years, she has helped lead seven weekly sessions culminating in two concerts, all while raising funds for a local food pantry. “We have a group of dedicated singers, many of whom have enjoyed this experience for the first time since high school or college,” she says. “They love the music, I love the music, and the audience loves it. It’s a win-win all around.”
For Annette, each note she plays, each volunteer gig she participates in, and every concert she organizes, is more than just an act of kindness. It is a chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others, while creating connections and memories that will last a lifetime. Through her music, Annette Ieda exemplifies the power of giving and the enduring joy of sharing one’s gifts with the world.