Photos provided.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Katelyn Ginley, a Saratoga Springs High School junior, has a set of different extra curriculars than most 17-year-old girls. Ginley has been singing for seniors longer than she can remember and is sometimes accompanied by her 14-year-old sister Jane, 12-year-old sister Ava, and 8-year-old sister Ryann.
“Since my great-grandparents were in senior homes, I’ve been singing in senior homes and performing for them and I have continued that since my greatgrandmother’s death in 2014. I go almost every week to either the Home of the Good Shepherd or other nursing homes in the area,” Ginley explained.
Ginley’s program, Sisters for Smiles, started at The Wesley Community, a nursing home in Saratoga Springs, migrating to the Home of the Good Shepherd when it opened near her home. While entertaining, Ginley plays her acoustic guitar and sings a wide range: everything from John Denver to Johnny Cash to recent radio hits, depending on her audience. When Ginley plays at children events, she learns all of the Disney songs for them.
“She plays a crazy amount of variety,” said Jennifer Ginley, Katelyn’s proud mom.
“I also play for special needs children and at Double H Ranch. I also play shows, I played in Caffe Lena last summer, and I did the Victorian Street Walk,” Ginley elaborated.
Though Ginley has taken guitar lessons since second grade, singing has always come naturally to her. Now, however, she is taking singing lessons to perfect her talent.
“I’ve always loved singing since I was a baby. I sing constantly, and I think it started from my love of princesses. I just would watch the movies,” Ginley explained.
“From years of visiting grandparents, I have learned that you can never visit often enough or stay long enough. An unplanned visit from kids coupled with a song or two can really brighten someone’s day,” Ginley said.
Though it will be an extremely busy summer for Ginley, she will be looking at several colleges and managing her families’ parking lot by Kings Tavern for track season. She also works part-time at American Eagle Outfitters. Ginley plans to perform as much as she can.
“I’m going to focus on the music whenever I can, as much as I can, hopefully every week,” she said.
Ginley hopes to pursue a biology or science-related field with a minor in music once she graduates from Saratoga Springs High in 2019.
“I will definitely find time in college to continue my community service,” she said defiantly.
“She’s looking for more gigs this summer,” her mom laughed.
“If any of the readers are interested in having me play, I’d love to,” Ginley continued.
To schedule a musical visit from Ginley, organizations may call 518-893-0686.
