By Kelly A. Shue
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

For the last four years I have been sharing with you stories about the people, activities, and events that make Riderwood unique. Whether heartwarming, humorous, or simply informative, each story was written with the hopes of providing you with a glimpse of real life on this thriving and energetic campus.

In this monthly column I invite you, our valued Tribune readers, to write me directly and ask whatever you’d like to know about day-to-day life at Riderwood.

Each month I will select a question and answer it for you on these pages. So go ahead, ask away. I look forward to hearing from you at Kelly.Shue@Erickson.com

Question: My husband and I each play a musical instrument. Are there any instrumental groups or clubs at Riderwood?

Answer: Yes! On any given day, the halls of Riderwood are filled with lively music and revelry. Musicians of all skill levels, from professionals to dedicated amateurs, share their love of music with the Music with Friends instrumental group and by visiting local concerts and musical presentations.

Great range of skills
Music with Friends is a chamber music ensemble dedicated to sharing their musical talents with each other and the greater Riderwood community. According to professional bassoonist, composer, and Music with Friends member Mary Ahmadi, “There is a great range of skill from professional musicians to those who may not have played in years.”

“What makes Music with Friends so special is that each musician has a very unique and different background. This keeps our music very interesting,” says Lillian Kauffman, who lives at Riderwood.

Enjoying area music
Recognizing the immense opportunities available in the Washington area for enjoying musical performances, many of the Music with Friends members come together outside of rehearsal to enjoy the music of other local musicians.