Senior Music Connection

What fun this was! Thanks to Blue Bird Deli - Troy, OH and all the wonderful volunteers who helped with this community project!

Today, we’re spotlighting the Painted Piano located by Winan’s and the Troy Bike Shop, painted by artist Krissy O’Malley, along with friends and volunteers at Senior Music Connection.

When Krissy O'Malley, owner of Senior Music Connection, has long been a supporter of the Painted Piano Project. Over the years, she has admired the creativity it brings to downtown Troy. She says: “When I originally contacted the City about participating in the Painted Piano Project and learned all the pianos had been claimed, I was disappointed but content to wait until the next opportunity came around. When a last-minute need arose, and the City reached back out to ask if I would be willing to take on a piano after all, it was a pleasant and welcome surprise!”

She says the Senior Music Connection was honored to showcase the many ways people have traveled throughout history and to celebrate Troy's own rich transportation heritage. Visitors will discover trains, bicycles, boats, a hot air balloon, a space shuttle, and just about anything else that rolls, floats, flies, or moves. Sharp-eyed viewers may even spot an orange construction barrel—a lighthearted nod to the ongoing road improvements familiar to local residents.

Proud of Ohio's aviation history, including Troy's WACO Aircraft Company, the WACO Air Museum, and Troy's active airport, the artists incorporated a special surprise into the design. When you visit, be sure to check out the whimsical three-dimensional biplane featured on the piano, complete with a working propeller handcrafted by Josh Lurie.

With limited time to complete the project, O'Malley quickly reached out to friends and community members who she knew would embrace the challenge. One of the first people she contacted was her treasured friend, Kristin Sanderson, owner of Blue Bird Deli in Troy.

"It was a pleasure for our team to be part of this project," Sanderson shared. "Celebrating Ohio history in our city in such a creative way is exciting."

A volunteer artist from Blue Bird Deli, Weslyn Miller, painted the piano's front panel. Visitors who stop by are encouraged to look beneath the keyboard, where they'll find her charming painting of a bicycle built for two.

"The bicycle built for two has an old-timey feel," Miller explained. "One of the songs that Senior Music Connection performs always brings smiles to residents in area assisted living facilities, and it also reflects simple romance. In the original song, Daisy rejects Harry's proposal. I like happy endings, so I added a church on the hillside and their names carved in a heart on the tree."

Local artist, musician, and actress Jenny Weber also generously lent her time and talents to the project. Known throughout the community for her renowned pet portraits and beautiful original artwork, Weber's creativity added another special touch to the piano. The team was thrilled to have her on board.

Another artist who eagerly stepped forward was Marina Gentry, whose beautiful artwork may already be familiar to many Troy residents through her painted window at Cake Alchemy on the northeast corner of the square. She certainly added a special layer of creativity and character to the piano, with the train traveling across the top of the keys being her main focus.

Volunteer Bonnie Lurie lent her artistic talents to the piano, including the stunning mural featured on the back panel.

"I've always seen the pianos, and they add such a fun, colorful pop to our town," Lurie said. "It is always fun to walk around and see each design. While we were given our theme and a short amount of time, it was wonderful to reconnect with old friends while creating something that will be enjoyed by many. It gave me a chance to be creative and work on my painting skills again. I enjoyed the challenge of conquering both the theme and the canvas."

The project became even more special because it brought generations together. Bonnie's daughter, Susan, enjoyed having the piano at their home, where she and her mother spent countless hours painting side-by-side.

"It gave us precious mother-daughter bonding time," Susan said.

Another mother-daughter team, Nikki and Ivy Lee, also dedicated many hours to the project. Their contributions brought both artistic talent and enthusiasm to the piano's design. Some may recognize Ivy's work from the window art at Blue Bird Deli, where she previously assisted as a delivery driver and contributed her artistic abilities.

And countless hours it truly was. Volunteers often painted late into the night, with some working right up until 3:30 a.m. the morning before the City arrived to pick up the completed piano.

What began as a last-minute opportunity quickly became a labor of love involving friends, family members, artists, business owners, musicians, and volunteers. The result is more than just a painted piano—it is a celebration of Ohio history, transportation, community spirit, music, and artistic expression.

O'Malley encourages visitors to enjoy this piano and all of the others throughout Troy, play a song, and listen to someone else perform while exploring downtown and all the wonderful things Troy has to offer.

She says, “After all, these pianos are more than public art—they are invitations for our community to connect, create memories, and celebrate together.”

For more information about the Painted Pianos Project, visit https://troyohio.gov/766/Painted-Piano-Project – and come enjoy the painted pianos in downtown Troy!

Help us wish a huge Happy Birthday to our teammate, Matthew Stevenson! 🎉 We are so lucky to have him as our board certified music therapist working with our friends at Montgomery County United Rehabilitation Servies. He has such a passion for supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through music.

Outside of sessions, Matthew is fueled by coffee and love—literally—because he and his spouse run Blue Sky Coffee in Fairborn. ☕💙
We’re grateful for all the heart he brings to our team!

🎶 Music Has a Way of Bringing Memories to Life 🎶

June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, and at Senior Music Connection, we see firsthand how powerful music can be.

A familiar melody can spark a smile, encourage conversation, inspire movement, or bring back treasured memories from years ago. Whether it's a beloved hymn, a favorite Big Band tune, or a song from childhood, music helps us connect with one another in meaningful ways.

Every performance is a reminder that music reaches places words sometimes cannot.

What song brings back a special memory for you or a loved one? Share it in the comments—we'd love to hear your favorites! 💜

June 7, 2026 Sunday plans = made! 🎉
Head to the levee at 11 a.m. during the Troy Strawberry Festival to catch Providence Road, the delightful husband/wife duo known for their fun, classic tunes. They’re a hit with our senior living partners, and now it’s Troy’s turn to enjoy the magic. Don’t miss this feel‑good performance — it’s the perfect vibe for a festival morning! 🍓🎶🎤🎸 For the full weekend music schedule, click here: https://troystrawberryfest.com/entertainment-schedule/
🍓

We feel deeply honored and motivated to be instrumental in guiding the Riverside Handbell choir! Come join us for our concert next Tuesday!

Join us on Wednesday, June 10 at 4pm for a delightful Bell Choir Concert to honor those who have served our country! This is the first performance for the group since welcoming our new Bell Choir Director Krissy O'Malley, and the choir is excited to share all they have learned this season. We will also honor our special friends from the West Milton VFW Post 8211 who have supported us for nearly 40 years! We hope to see you there!

🎨 **Troy artists, we need your help — and your creativity!** 🎨
Blue Bird Deli - Troy, OH, and Senior Music Connection are teaming up for the Downtown Troy Painted Summer Piano Project - https://troyohio.gov/766/Painted-Piano-Project - and we’ve got one last piece that needs an artist’s touch.
Our piano already celebrates Ohio’s transportation story with planes, trains, automobiles, and boats… but we’re still missing **bicycles** 🚲 — and that’s where YOU come in.
We will bring the 4'x1.5' canvas right to your house or studio, making this an easy, at‑home project for someone who wants to jump in quickly.
We’re on a tight timeline, but this is such a fun chance to be part of something meaningful for our community. This piano will sit downtown all summer long — a little piece of art that brings people together.
If painting the bicycle story sounds like your kind of project, reach out. Let’s make something special for Troy

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JW1jRhxrV/

Painted Pianos Project | Troy, OH - Official Website Street pianos have been displayed as art in major cities through programs like the Play Me, I'm Yours program that debuted in the UK in 2008. Troy’s Painted Pianos Project began in 2021 and is now a biennual celebration, alternating with Troy Main Street’s Sculptures on the Square. 

A familiar song can bring back a treasured memory, spark conversation, or simply brighten someone's day. During Older Americans Month, Senior Music Connection is especially grateful for the opportunity to bring live music to senior communities throughout our area. Music creates connection - and those moments truly matter.

Senior Music Connection, serving the greater Dayton, Ohio area, is seeking compassionate, talented individuals to join our growing team.

Interactive Music Specialists
We are currently hiring Interactive Music Specialists to lead recreational and participatory music sessions in senior living communities.

This role requires:

Strong people skills and the ability to build genuine connections
Knowledge of senior living and dementia care
Confidence interacting with older adult populations
Innate musical ability and adaptability
The ability to “read the room,” pivot, and adjust sessions on the fly based on participant needs and engagement
These sessions are highly interactive and relationship-centered. We are looking for individuals who can use music to create joy, connection, comfort, and meaningful engagement.

Music Therapist / Music Educator Hybrid Position
We are also seeking a Music Therapist for the 2026–2027 school year to work with children in a special K–12 educational setting located in Troy, Ohio.

Position Details:

Two days per week
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Hybrid role combining music therapy and music education
This alternative school supports children and families with unique needs and circumstances. Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where students can:

Explore emotions and life experiences through music
Build confidence and self-expression
Develop foundational musical knowledge and skills
Continue future music studies in traditional school settings, should they transition back into public education
We are seeking someone who is compassionate, creative, flexible, and passionate about using music as both a therapeutic and educational tool.

To Apply
If you are interested in applying for either or both positions, please send your resume to:

[email protected]

Pay is commensurate with experience and ability.