Elemental Music would not be the same without the many passionate volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to support our young musicians and our programs.
We want to recognize some of our superstar volunteers who help make our programs possible through their generosity of time, talent, and spirit…and plain old hard work!
We are thrilled to introduce you to one of our amazing Elemental Music volunteers: Mya Painter. When we first got to know Mya’s family in our 2020/21 season on Zoom, we had no way to know that she would become such an instrumental part of our volunteer network. Her warmth, dedication, and passion make her a joy to be around at every event. And through our programs, she has found a rewarding way to give back to the community and connect with like-minded individuals.
Let's dive into Mya’s journey with Elemental Music!
Elemental Music: How did you first become involved in volunteering with Elemental Music?
Mya Painter: During the pandemic, all the music programs my son, Shai, had been involved in, came to a standstill and we found ourselves feverishly searching for another program where he could continue his cello studies. When we discovered Elemental Music’s online Zoom music lessons, we knew right away Shai was at home: He loved his Chamber Orchestra instructor, Ms. Erin Little, as well as the friendships he was making with his fellow-students... that was more than enough to motivate me to do a little schedule-reconfiguration, and allow me to be on the Parent Task Force, organized by Dr. Jo, and contribute in whatever (small) way I could.
EM: With so many commitments in life, why did you choose to carve out time for volunteering?
MP: Music has been an influential aspect of my life for as far back as I can remember: the pictures hanging on our walls of the high school performances my mom took part in, back in her native country, were a source of great inspiration to me. In my childhood, our house was alive with the sound of my dad's saxophone. While in elementary school, I took piano lessons, and the time I spent at Idyllwild’s performing arts camp, is forever etched in my memory. The fact that, due to logistical reasons, I could not continue my piano studies, haunts me to this day. I knew I wanted to introduce Shai to the language of music at a young age and that I would do whatever it took to keep him engaged & interested. Seeing all that was involved in making EM run smoothly, from the weekly ensemble classes to the inspiring performances our kids get to experience & us parents get to watch, I was impressed by Dr. Jo’s inclusion of parent volunteers and knew I wanted to be a part of this great effort.
EM: What makes Elemental Music special to you?
MP: That’s easy: community, hands down. Our participation in the EM “family” has created myriad opportunities for us to embrace true collaboration, meet families we would not have normally crossed paths with and to form bonds with special teachers/instructors in our lives.
EM: Could you share a memorable moment while volunteering for Elemental Music?
MP: I volunteered at both Tacos, Tequila, Mezcal, & Music last year and the Tasting Notes wine gala this year, and each venue was extraordinarily classy and elegant! At the Tequila event, held at Janie Docter’s (a longtime Board Member) home, I was offered the fun task of putting together about 50 glow in the dark lanterns which we dropped in the pool and watched as they floated & lit up the night sky. It was an extremely gratifying evening, meeting other volunteer parents, Board Members and feeling pride in the EM community!
EM: If you could choose one area to volunteer next time, what would it be? Why?
MP: Since my 100% remote work from home has ended and I am now heading into the office several days a week, my volunteering time has exclusively coincided with on-the-day events, such as galas, fundraisers and performances. But I would love to be able to offer more “behind the scenes” time, as I know it certainly takes a village to bring such a fabulous endeavor to fruition.
EM: How has volunteering helped you connect with others, or build relationships within your community?
MP: Aside from the beautiful families we have met along the way, I have done outreach at Shai’s school - both elementary & middle - and encouraged families to pursue EM programming for their kids. Many families have thanked me for introducing them to EM’s offerings, something they would not have known about otherwise. That’s been quite a gratifying feeling.
EM: What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering but doesn't feel like they have enough time or resources to do so?
MP: First off, I can totally relate to that reality. And second, I would say that no amount of time is too little and that every bit helps and is greatly appreciated by the EM crew. At moments when I haven’t had the time to help staff an event, I have found myself volunteering to bake cookies for EM’s instructors and dropping them off at my convenience. At other times, I have volunteered to sell flower bouquets at a performance or helped families find their seats in an auditorium for one of the performances. It’s truly been gratifying to be a small part in a bigger whole and a wonderful way for me to show my own appreciation for all that Shai has learned & experienced over these past few years — lessons that have truly been invaluable!
Interested in getting involved as a volunteer with our programs? Email Juanita Devis for more information!