By Lauren Schiavone
Hometown Weekly Staff
Willow Tree Winds recently visited seniors at the Council on Aging in town on Friday afternoon, October 14. The relaxing woodwind quintet is based in Norfolk County and lent its talents to entertain on a rainy day.
The group played everything from Mozart to Cuban-influenced upbeat pieces — and even had a couple modern tunes thrown in, for good measure. The cheery variety of songs let listeners relax and enjoy a soothing autumn day.
Filled with positivity, everyone was glad to pull up a chair in the Murphy Room for the concert. “It’s a great day to settle in and listen to music; a great way to enjoy the rainy day,” COA Director Kerri McManama smiled before helping visitors check in prior to the performance.
The group took the stage in sharp, all-black attire and impressed with some familiar numbers. Seniors tapped their toes and nodded along to tranquil renditions of favorite Mozart classics. The audience couldn’t help but hum and sing along to the arrangement of The Beatles’ “When I’m Sixty Four”.
Giving credit to their humble beginnings, the group shared their story. “This quintet was actually formed during COVID,” flutist Peter Tileston explained. “I had nothing to do but to stay home, and I practiced an instrument I hadn’t touched in 30 years. I posted on Facebook and these guys responded, and this came up.” In between songs, he and oboist Gary Doc cracked jokes with the audience.
The breezy afternoon gave seniors a chance to decompress in the COA space, and the diverse music selection seemed just what everyone needed. The group ended on a strong note, incorporating “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, arranged by B-flat clarinet player Kevin Sanderson.
Elated to share music across Norfolk country, flutist Tileston enthused about the trajectory of the group: “We’re really excited about where we’re going with it.”
For their part, the seniors in attendance danced and swayed along to music on their way from the event. Willow Tree Winds surely made a positive impact upon the Walpole COA.
