We are starting off 2021 by adding two new members to our Board of Directors!
Please help us welcome Brenda Benson and Victor Komlos as the newest members of our board. Both Brenda and Victor bring passion experience to our organization and we are thrilled to have their help in supporting a community where youth are inspired and empowered through quality music education.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THEM IN OUR INTERVIEW BELOW!
Elemental Music: Did you study music at all as a child? If so, do you find that your musical studies helped you in your current career in any way?
Brenda Benson: I took piano lessons and was in the school chorus as a young child, but didn’t continue with these things as I grew older and developed other interests. That said, music has always been an important part of my life. I truly can’t imagine the world without music and it’s something that we frequently talk about in our home!
Victor Komlos: Yes! I played piano, violin, and drums as a kid. Music is not part of my professional career, but it plays a huge part in my entertainment, enjoyment, and better quality of life today.
EM: What kind of role did music play in your life growing up?
Victor and his family
BB: My mother was a concert level pianist and played the organ in church throughout her high school years. When she married my father, the first thing they bought was an organ which they still have in their home 67 years later! While I didn’t pursue music the way my mother did, because of her influence, I have always had a great appreciation for music – all genres – and consider myself a music enthusiast.
VK: Playing music began as a burden, chore, and obligation. In elementary school, I resented having to practice several instruments every day. My mom insisted I learn more than one, and I really only wanted to play sports. As I grew up, I grew to understand the great opportunity and gift my mom imposed on me. As an adult, I have a deep appreciation of music and its positive influence in my life.
Brenda at home with her cat
EM: How did you first get involved with Elemental Music?
BB: My son, Riley, introduced me and my husband to Elemental Strings (before there was Elemental Music!) when he was a student at Grant Elementary School. He came home from school one day and announced that he wanted to try out for the program – and the rest is history! Elemental Strings helped Riley develop a passion for and appreciation of music that I’m not sure would have developed without the program. Although Riley now rarely plays his viola, music continues to play a large part in his life and has helped shape who he is as a young man.
VK: As a parent of a student. My daughter participated in EM to learn cello in 2012–14.
EM: Do you have a favorite Elemental Music memory?
BB: Riley’s involvement was so long ago that I’m afraid there’s not a favorite memory that stands out. That said, I do remember some very interesting and provocative pieces written and conducted by Robert Anderson. Mr. Anderson’s music was a fun and nice complement to the more traditional classical music the students were also exposed to as young children.
VK: Instead of one favorite memory, I have watched many EM kids' passion for music grow into accomplished musicians that chose to study music in college. It’s exciting for me to see their progress.
EM: What inspired you to join our board?
BB: So many things!! I believe in this program and the power of music. Music can bring people together in ways that our world desperately needs right now. Music is also empowering, uplifting and healing, and I look forward to doing whatever I can to continue to grow and expand the program so that even more students in our larger community can reap the benefits. Additionally, I have always appreciated strong, compassionate leadership and it is clear that Dr. Josephine Moerschel is that kind of a leader.
VK: Janie Docter recruited me to help on the board. I hope to help Elemental Music grow to have a positive effect in the lives of many more children through exposure, inspiration, lessons, practice, and performance opportunities.
EM: Is there anything else you would like to add?
BB: I am genuinely excited about this opportunity and look forward to getting to know and support the Elemental Music community!
VK: I’m excited to get started and appreciate your support, dialogue, and feedback.