Verdi Band Brings Music, Comfort, and Community to Families at Ronald McDonald House
WEST PHILADELPHIA — Families staying at the Ronald McDonald House received a heartfelt gift on Tuesday night — a summer concert by the Verdi Band of Norristown, Pennsylvania, whose century-old mission is rooted in the belief that “music is the Gospel of the human heart”.
A Century of Musical Tradition
Founded in 1920 by an Italian immigrant, the Verdi Band continues to carry its founding vision forward, with longtime members like Monsignor John Marine, who has been playing with the ensemble for more than 50 years.
“It’s a unique audience here,” Marine reflected. “To think that we’re touching people who’ve come from so far — it’s a unique opportunity”.
A Respite for Families in Medical Care
The audience included families who have traveled long distances while their children receive medical treatment in Philadelphia.
- Michelle Farwell and her 14-year-old son Alex came from Syracuse, New York. After a day of appointments, the music offered them a much-needed break.
- “It’s like respite… This makes you feel more comfortable,” Michelle said.
- Alex, a musician himself, added: “I can see the twinkle in their eyes… They love what they’re doing, and I can just tell by watching them play.”
Music as Connection
Band conductor Ken Laskey says his favorite part is watching how familiar melodies light up the audience.
“I like to look out into the audience and see people clapping, smiling, socializing with their family and friends… Especially when they hear the beginning of a song and say, ‘I know that one!’”.
The one-hour concert featured more than 15 songs, closing with the patriotic favorite “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
More Than Just a Performance
For the Ronald McDonald House families, the evening was about more than music. It was about togetherness, joy, and a sense of normalcy in the middle of challenging times — proof that a live concert can be both a performance and a form of healing.
Have you experienced music bringing comfort during a difficult time? Share your story with us at ChicagoMusicGuide.com.