Prairie Village, KS, October 20, 2025
News Summary
Narem Palomino Pardo, a piano major at UMKC, creates joy at Claridge Court, a retirement community in Prairie Village, through his music. Residing there for a year with expenses covered in exchange for performances, he fosters connections and engages residents daily. His initiative celebrates intergenerational relationships through music, further exemplified by a Bolivian Independence celebration he organized. This innovative partnership promotes cultural pride and community enrichment.
Prairie Village – Narem Palomino Pardo, a 31-year-old piano major, is enriching life at Claridge Court, a retirement community in Prairie Village, through the gift of music and connection. Currently pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), Palomino Pardo has a unique arrangement that allows him to reside at Claridge Court for a year with full expenses paid, in exchange for monthly performances.
Palomino Pardo is the third UMKC student to participate in this innovative program, aimed at connecting the university with senior living communities. This initiative was inspired by a similar residency at Lifespace Communities in Des Moines, Iowa. Charles Horner, a resident at Claridge Court, played a key role in establishing the partnership between UMKC and the retirement community.
While he is contracted to perform once a month, Palomino Pardo goes above and beyond by playing the piano almost every day for residents. He has dedicated himself to creating a joyful atmosphere through music, which he believes serves as a form of communication and service. His performances primarily feature classical music, though he happily takes requests from residents and can improvise on the spot by using sheet music on his iPad.
Born and raised in Cochabamba, Bolivia, Palomino Pardo moved to Kansas City in 2022. He began taking piano lessons at age 10 and started teaching music back in his hometown. Before enrolling at UMKC, he earned a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Arkansas in 2022. Notably, Palomino Pardo had to learn on a keyboard with missing keys, as he did not have access to a full piano until he attended university.
A new resident at Claridge Court, Sharen Diegelman, recently provided him with a piano that belonged to her late husband, which he now uses for practice and performances. Residents have expressed their appreciation for his personable nature, noting his efforts to remember names and engage with each person on an individual level.
In a special display of cultural pride, Palomino Pardo organized an event to celebrate Bolivia’s 200 years of independence. He collaborated with chefs at Claridge Court to offer traditional meals, decorated the halls with Bolivian national colors, and performed songs relevant to this significant occasion. Many residents feel fortunate to have him, referring to his presence as a source of joy similar to that of a grandchild.
The partnership between UMKC and Claridge Court is centered on fostering intergenerational relationships through the arts, providing a platform for students to share their talents while enriching the community’s lives.
Key Features of the Initiative
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Student Involvement | Narem Palomino Pardo, a 31-year-old piano major from UMKC, resides at Claridge Court for a year. |
| Performance Requirement | Contractual obligation to perform once a month, but often plays daily. |
| Community Engagement | Residents engage through music, sharing memories and requests. |
| Background | Inspired by a similar program in Iowa, developed by Charles Horner. |
| Cultural Events | Organized a Bolivian Independence event with traditional meals and music. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Narem Palomino Pardo?
Narem Palomino Pardo is a 31-year-old piano major studying for his master’s degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC).
Where does Narem live?
He currently resides at Claridge Court, a retirement community in Prairie Village.
What is the arrangement Narem has with Claridge Court?
The arrangement allows him to live at Claridge Court for a year with full expenses paid, in exchange for one concert per month.
What kind of music does Narem perform?
His performances primarily feature classical music, but he also takes requests from residents and improvises on the spot using sheet music on his iPad.
How did this partnership between UMKC and Claridge Court come about?
The partnership was established through efforts by Claridge Court resident Charles Horner, inspired by a similar residency at Lifespace Communities in Des Moines, Iowa.
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Additional Resources
- KMBC: UMKC Music Student Living in Senior Community
- Wikipedia: Prairie Village, Kansas
- Fox4KC: UMKC Pianist Brings Joy to Seniors
- Google Search: Narem Palomino Pardo
- Johnson County Post: KC Symphony Mobile Music Box
- Google Scholar: Music in Senior Communities
- Legacy: Pauline Lee Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Music Education
- In Kansas City: Prairie Village Art Show
- Google News: UMKC Music Students
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