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!
Today, we are featuring Elemental Music parent Nick Toren. Over the past 6 years, the Toren family has been a part of 4 different Elemental Music programs! Over those many years, Nick has shared his gifts as a photographer by donating countless hours to capture the magic of our students in rehearsals and performances. He has even donated his talent to take photos for our auction - less fun but just as important and essential to getting our auction fundraiser off the ground! And perhaps you’ve even met Nick this year at a merch table, since he often volunteers to help out on concert days when he isn’t behind the camera.
It’s hard to quantify just how much Nick has given to our programs because his volunteer work has been ongoing for years. We’re incredibly grateful. Read more about Nick’s volunteer story below!
Elemental Music: What inspired you to volunteer with us?
Nick Toren: When I recognized the quality of instruction of Elemental Music and the wonderful influence the teachers were having on my kids, I was excited to volunteer as a photographer. Selfishly, I got to be in the rehearsal room to watch (and listen) to my son Jude play violin while taking photos of him and his peers. Now my daughter Neve is coming up through the levels as a violist, following in her brother's string-playing footsteps. I love capturing the day of the performance on the camera, both onstage and as the kids warm up in the rehearsal hall. Some kids are giddy, others are showing off their skills, and some are quietly preparing in the corner. There's a great sense of camaraderie among the kids around the performance as all their hard work is coming to fruition.
EM: In your opinion, what is the most important work that Elemental Music does?
NT: Elemental Music has given my kids a love for music, both as musicians but also as lovers of classical music in general. Yes, our car radio is frequently tuned to pop music but just as often KUSC is streaming through the speakers at home. They live for KUSC's daily "morning mind bender" where a bit of trivia is revealed through a song. We all sat around in the evening and listened to Jim Svejda do his final broadcast a few months ago (what a career!). Several times a year we take advantage of free tickets to LACO that come our way through Elemental Music. My son even has a favorite composer, Dvorak. I know it sounds trite but I can't imagine what our family would be like if we hadn't found Elemental Music. Our lives are richer for it!
EM: What do you do when you aren't volunteering with Elemental Music?
NT: When I'm not volunteering for Elemental Music I'm acting in television or lending my voice to various movies and TV shows, most recently "Ted Lasso" and "Bridgerton." I also keep busy taking headshots for actors. I can be found chasing our dog Cleo through the hills around Santa Monica while she tirelessly (and fruitlessly) pursues birds and rabbits. Additionally, I enjoy cooking and baking sourdough bread, which we all gobble up.