Grand Forks woman's piano video attracts thousands online

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 16:52 · Archive

An 85-year-old resident at a Grand Forks care home has gained thousands of online viewers after a staff member recorded her playing piano.

An 85-year-old resident at Edgewood Grand Forks has gained thousands of online viewers after a staff member recorded her playing piano in the facility's chapel with her visiting son. Staff member Amber Hahn recorded the video, which Hahn said 'blew up' online.

Arlene Norton's musical background spans more than eight decades, beginning with her first composition at age 4. The oldest of 11 siblings, Norton grew up in a household centred around music and learned to play from her mother and Catholic nuns. By age 13 she had her first official job playing for church services. She went on to earn a bachelor's degree in music from the University of North Dakota, where she also played for her own commencement ceremony.

Throughout her career, Norton served as an on-call organist and pianist for St. Michael's Catholic Church, performing at countless weddings, funerals and Masses. She also performed for 25 years with a band called Stony Road alongside her husband, travelling within an 80-mile radius across the region while raising five children. Norton said her hands do not move the way they once did, but she continues to play by memory and enjoys improvising on the spot. Hahn said Norton remains modest about the community's response.

How it is being reported

• Grand Forks woman goes viral online after piano videoArlene Norton recently moved into Edgewood, bringing along her passion for music. Staff member Amber Hahn noticed Norton playing in the facility’s chapel with her visiting son and decided to record a video.Valleynewslive · 30 Oct, 13:12
• Grand Forks woman goes viral online after piano videoArlene Norton recently moved into Edgewood, bringing along her passion for music. Staff member Amber Hahn noticed Norton playing in the facility’s chapel with her visiting son and decided to record a video.Kfyrtv · 30 Oct, 13:12

In this story: Arlene Norton · Amber Hahn · Edgewood Grand Forks · University of North Dakota · St. Michael's Catholic Church · Grand Forks

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