Edmonton-area seniors play ‘O Canada’ on the kazoo in response to harmonica anthem

St. Albert seniors are sparking a fun playoff rivalry with their rendition of O Canada on kazoos. CTV News Edmonton's Amanda Anderson reports.

Some Edmonton area seniors have been inspired by viral harmonica performances at the first two playoff games between the Los Angeles Kings and the Edmonton Oilers.

St. Albert’s Everitt Gardens retirement home posted a video Friday showing some of its residents – decked out in Oilers jerseys – playing O Canada using kazoos.

“It makes everyone happy and cheerful,” said Jean Walsh, who took part in the performance. “I could see the other residents smiling. That was something different for them to see.”

The home’s recreation manager got the idea after watching the harmonica class from the Koreatown Senior and Community Centre perform the Star-Spangled Banner at the Los Angeles games.

“I thought to myself, ‘If they can do it, those seniors, my seniors can definitely do that,’” Lori Kary told CTV News Edmonton Friday afternoon.

Kary said she gave the seniors a quick lesson on how to play and then she started rolling.

“We actually shot that video – if you can believe it – that was the one and only take.”

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The seniors have recorded several fun videos over the past couple of years displaying their Oilers pride.

When asked whether they’d be interested in taking their talents to Rogers Place there was a resounding “yes”.

“That would be great,” said Bob Baxter. “We’d love to do that for sure.”

“Why not? We’re only young once,” added Walsh.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Amanda Anderson