Leadership Team
Our Leadership team is focused on collaborating with memory care facilities and expanding the program to various community-based organizations, such as libraries and community centers. We are also dedicated to fundraising efforts to curate memory disco kits for donation to the community.
Anika Ganesh, Founder Musical Memories Katy
From a young age, activities involving movement have always been my way of connecting with people, particularly through dance and music. Dance, in particular, has taught me to appreciate diverse rhythms and express myself through movement. I've discovered that creating rhythms and moving to the beat can bring people closer together, fostering a sense of community and helping us recall cherished memories while creating new ones. Through these experiences, I've learned the profound impact of movement and rhythm in building connections and enriching lives.
In her later years, my connection with my grandma was strengthened through music, creating precious moments I cherish deeply. I strive to recreate similar experiences when I volunteer at memory care facilities, bringing joy and comfort through the universal language of music using "Memory Disco™" program. My commitment to life enrichment through movement and music has further strengthened when I hear testimonials from caregivers about bringing smiles back to their loved ones' faces.
Priyanshi Sayania
Dance and music has been incredibly important to my life since I was a young child. I joined orchestras, dance teams, dance classes, and had crazy amounts of performances. I was quite enthusiastic and eager about dance and playing the violin since the day I started. It helped me connect to my surroundings and gave me a way to express myself.
I later had an experience that was similar to the goal of Musical Memories. My previous violin private lesson teacher took me to a senior residency area once and played Christmas music with me. I realized then that not only can it express me and my opinions/beliefs, but connect me to the people I care for and even people I don’t know well. It can help create a sense of community within the given society, which also fosters a sense of belonging.
When I joined Musical Memories, I realized that music is not just for creating a supportive community. It can help people recall memories with their loved ones, giving them a timely sense of happiness. Seeing smiles in the elderly is a great feeling and is a feeling I treasure. Music’s way of joining people together is truly unique and I want to help spread the feeling of community/joy. It feels great giving back, and I want to help others feel those special feelings as well.
Brianna Carrion
I joined this initiative because I like to feel that I am making a difference in the world, every smile that I put on someone’s face puts one on mine! I hope to inspire others to help people in their community, so we can all be more connected.
Zeniya Kirmani
One of the earliest recollections I have from my childhood was my first ballet performance when I was only three years old. Looking out at the crowd, I remember feeling anxious, but after hearing the beautiful melody start to play, it was as if everything around me had disappeared, and I was entranced by the music. Music has played a large role in my life and has always been a way for me to express myself when words can’t do justice. I joined this initiative because I love how it allows the people in the memory loss facilities to be able to explore how music had an impact on their lives and recollect some of their precious memories. I also really appreciate how the music allows us to connect with all of the people that we visit, providing them with a way to experience the joy of listening to their favorite songs and smiling and dancing along!
Zayan Kirmani
I have grown up volunteering in a number of places with my family , but when I joined Musical Memories it was the first time I volunteered with seniors with memory deficits. It was an eye-opening experience for me to see how
people with memory loss become engaged with the songs, then started to sing along and some even danced with us to the beat. Initially , they appeared lonely , but when we started interacting with them and playing music
they were familiar with, they started smiling and communicating more with us and others in the room. The feeling of contributing a little bit of happiness in their day , boosted my morale and compelled me to continue working
with them. Musical Memories is not only helping the seniors and putting a smile on their faces, but teaches us volunteers valuable skills such as communication and business knowledge, and community service. I am intrigued with the Musical Memories organization and extremely grateful for being a part of this amazing team of it.
Musical Memories Katy
Creating moments of Joy, Remembrance, and Connection through music.