Student-led Musical Initiative Uplifts Elderly Residents in Singapore
By Sean Gerard, Communications Team, UWCSEA Dover
13 March 2026
UWCSEA students are bringing joy to elderly care homes across Singapore through the Harmony123 musical initiative. By combining their passion for the arts with a commitment to service, these international K–12 students build meaningful connections with the community. The student-led group recently expanded their impact with both local and international performances.
While learning about service and empathy from Mr Kirrane in the UWCSEA Perspectives course, Grade 9 student Claire realised she wanted to go beyond fulfilling school requirements. Inspired by the idea that service is most powerful when it aligns with personal passion, Claire looked to her eight-years of experience learning piano and her love for singing.
Her passion for music led her to Harmony123, a non-profit organisation founded almost 10-years-ago by UWCSEA students Ernest and Ethan that brings live music to eldercare communities around the globe in-person and virtually. Ethan, a current Grade 11 student at UWCSEA, serves as the organisation’s global head, while his brother Ernest is an alumnus. So far, Harmony123 has performed over 150 in-person or online performances worldwide.
Recognising that Harmony123 had a limited physical presence in Singapore, Claire stepped in as the Regional Head to initiate local concerts, beginning with elderly care homes.
Many of the performers are my close friends and classmates. I am incredibly grateful for their enthusiasm and commitment to doing what they love in the spirit of service.
– Claire, Grade 9 student, UWCSEA Dover
Planning and Performance
In late 2025, Claire coordinated the outreach, rehearsals, and logistics for the new chapter. After contacting more than 10 eldercare residential homes and childcare centres, Orange Valley responded, offering their branches as venues for performances.
The initiative quickly grew into a collaborative effort involving 22 dedicated UWCSEA students across both campuses. The performers included:
- Grade 11: Ethan, Adam (photographer)
- Grade 9: Claire, Isabelle (co-organiser), Luke (co-organiser), Julie, Barry, Kevin, Huiling, Bea, Athena, and Joy
- Middle School: Abigail, Anthony, Sophia, Kuhu, Juicy, Sein, Rena, Melina and Evelyn
- Junior School: Eric
Bringing Music to Changi
The first concert took place at Orange Valley’s Changi branch on Sunday, 14 December 2025. Claire specifically chose this location after learning from staff that its remote distance often meant residents received fewer volunteers and resources than other branches.
The group performed 10 festive songs, including Feliz Navidad and Auld Lang Syne. Beyond the music, the students distributed 100 goody bags filled with snacks and drinks. The impact was immediate. Residents clapped, sang along, and some even took the microphones to join the performance.
The experience also provided real-world insights on life outside the "bubble" many students inhabit. Visiting residents confined to beds or on life support underscored the importance of service. The contrast between the students' daily lives and the quiet, often isolating environment of the care home made the two-hour musical escape feel even more meaningful.
It was deeply moving to see them enjoy the simple items in the goody bags, like biscuits and Milo," Claire said. "I realised that taking just two hours on a Sunday to do what I love could have a colossal impact on another person's life. My appreciation for service blossomed in that moment."
A Festive Celebration in Clementi
The momentum continued with a second concert on Saturday, 7 February 2026, at the Orange Valley Clementi branch, to celebrate Lunar New Year. The students performed a repertoire recommended by the staff, focusing on traditional pieces familiar to the residents.
The familiar melodies moved several residents to tears and reminded them of their childhoods and loved ones. At the conclusion of the programme, the students distributed handmade cards and goody bags, with many residents shaking the students' hands to offer personal thanks.
Expanding the Impact Locally and Globally
The Harmony123 Singapore team returned to the Changi branch for a third concert on Sunday, 8 March 2026. Although Changi is the farthest and least convenient branch for many performers to travel to, the students specifically chose to return because the home seldom receives volunteers. The dedication paid off; it was a deeply heartwarming afternoon as the elderly residents stood up to dance, sing, clap, and even cry after the performance.
When they rolled me into the room, I never expected a concert, as people seldom visit. I am very grateful that you young people are so passionate about performing for old folks like me,” said a teary-eyed resident.
The multi-generational event was coordinated by Grade 9 student Isabelle, and featured performances from Julie, Luke, Anthony, Sophia, Abbigail, Grade 2 student Eric, Grade 7 student Juicy and her dance crew, and even Claire’s grandmother. Before and after the music, the performers signed cards, prepared gift bags, and spent quality time interacting with the residents.
In addition to the in-person Singapore event, Harmony123 also hosted an online concert on the morning of 8 March for two eldercare homes in Beijing, bringing together performers from Singapore, China, and the United States, including New Jersey, New York, Florida, and Hawaii. This international effort was organised and Emceed by Ethan together with five regional concert leads, including Claire.
Reflections on Service
This initiative is a meaningful example of how students are inspired through their academic programmes to tap into their passions and serve a community. The experience has redefined what service means to the participating students, and shows how our students find ways to live the UWCSEA mission beyond the classroom.
What I took away most strongly is that service does not always require grand gestures. Service means taking an imaginative leap into others' shoes and actively practising empathy. By showing up consistently and wholeheartedly, we can give back to our community and support those in need."
– Claire, Grade 9 student, UWCSEA Dover
The meaningful impact of the Harmony123 service initiative is captured in these touching thank-you messages recorded by the Orange Valley residents.