Provided Photo A-14-year-old Carol Cadaretto is sitting behind her family’s piano learning to play an instrument in this undated photo provided by Cadaretto. Now 82 years old, Cadalet is using his musical talents to support local charities and uplift the spirits of seniors living in nursing homes.
ALPENA — For nearly 70 years, Carol Cadaretto has used her musical talents to raise money for local charities and worthy causes in Northeast Michigan.
She has done so without seeking financial gain or advancement for herself.
Even though she’s 82 years old, she still books performances to benefit area seniors, local animal shelters, and other groups and organizations with causes she supports.
Cadaretto’s musical journey began around the age of eight, when she began piano lessons in Alpena. However, the lesson did not last long. Her music teacher was angry that she didn’t learn music notation and instead memorized notes, chords, and songs by ear.
Even though she finished her lessons, Cadalet practiced the piano little by little and learned complete pieces. At age 14, she learned how to play the accordion by ear, and her father asked her to join the family band.
Provided Photo This undated photo provided by Cadelet shows a young Carol Cadelet playing the accordion. After learning how to play the piano by ear, Carol Cadaretto learned how to play the accordion the same way. She said learning the instrument has allowed her to play polka music, which is popular in northeast Michigan.
Little did Cadaretto know that those first few shows with her father and uncle would lead her to become a staple of the Alpena area music scene for more than half a century and record many original songs.
As her musical talent continued to improve and develop, Cadalet learned how to play the autoharp. An autoharp is a stringed instrument that uses a series of individually constructed measures to mute all strings except those needed for the desired chord.
After that, she learned how to play the bass guitar, she said.
Cadalet said that from an early age, she always wanted to use her musical talent to help people and make them feel better.
“Ever since I was little, I always did it as a way to give back,” she said. “I went out and sang at Mother’s Day events. I’ve performed at all the nursing homes, senior centers, fundraisers and even services for friends who passed away. I do everything for free. And I do it as a way to give back.”
Photo by Carol Cadaretto Carol Cadaretto plays the autoharp in an undated photo provided by Carol Cadaretto. After watching an artist play an autoharp, Cadalet’s husband bought one and she learned how to play it. She said she previously played only with the harp and voice.
Over the years, Cadaretto said he has amassed a catalog of music that can be played on multiple instruments and is available upon request. From classic rock and country music to blues, she said she and her bandmates offer a live music experience that almost everyone can enjoy.
Cadaretto said he has seen advances in music equipment technology over the years. When she started, she played on a simple piano, but now she plays on a fully programmable electronic keyboard with effects, a pre-programmed drum machine, and the ability to easily adjust tuning. He said he was playing.
She said that although she is entering her golden years, she believes there is still a lot of music left to share with the community and many others who can help.
These days, she said, she needs help loading and unloading equipment. Cadaretto said he is currently in good health and will be able to continue performing for the time being. She said if you are unable to help a charity by playing music, there are other ways you can do so.
“I would like to volunteer and lend a hand,” Cadalet said. “This community has always been very supportive of me, and I feel it’s important to me to give back, just like I did when I was younger.”
Photo courtesy of Carol Cadaretto playing bass guitar, 1997. This photo is courtesy of Cadaretto. She was always looking for ways to expand her musical knowledge and learn how to play new instruments. She added bass guitar to her repertoire many years ago.
Courtesy Photo Carol Cadaretto poses with her bandmates in December 2010 photo, courtesy of Cadaretto.
Photo courtesy of Carol Cadaretto took a break from her performance at Turning Brook in Alpena to take a photo with Santa. This undated photo was provided by Cadaretto. She said she has held many senior dances and special events for seniors for free.
Photo Credit: Carol Cadaretto sits behind an electronic keyboard in this undated photo courtesy of Cadaretto. She’s been playing music for nearly 70 years and has seen the technology in music gear change frequently. She loves using programmable keyboards that allow her to use effects and drum machines.
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