On Saturday, May 9, Generations Piano Studio will give a special Mother’s Day tribute to piano teacher and former studio owner, Ileana Merino, affectionately known as “Nana,” by hosting the first piano Practice-A-Thon called #baNANApianorama.
From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Don Shula’s Hotel lobby, 6842 Main Street, current and former students, family and friends will be playing the piano to raise funds to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association in Merino’s name.
Jessica Comellas was taught to play piano on the lap of her grandmother, Ileana “Nana” Merino, a classically trained pianist hailing from Cuba. Merino also taught her daughter, Comellas’s mother, Maria Merino Comellas, along with countless other students as part of a storied 50 year teaching career. In 2012 Merino was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, which forced her into retirement from the teaching studio she started many years ago now headed by Jessica Comellas.
Under the instruction Jessica, the studio became known as Generations Piano Studio, an homage to the musical matriarchal generations that led to its inception and continued teaching and “to honor the one who started it all,” said Jessica.
Merino’s diagnosis inspired Jessica to raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association’s event called The Longest Day. Held annually on the Summer Solstice, the duration of the sunrise-to-sunset event symbolizes the challenging journey of those living with the disease and their caregivers. As part of the Merino-Comellas Longest Day event, they will be doing what they do best – playing piano. The #baNANApianorama event welcomes all to join in listening, donating and celebrating Merino’s career and legacy.
To donate to the #baNANApianorama team, visit https://act.alz.org/goto/baNANApianorama.