As this season ends, so too does Brian Driscoll’s tenure as President of our Board of Directors.
Brian’s leadership has been invaluable, not only guiding us through the pandemic but also helping the organization adapt, grow, and dream for the future. Check out our interview with Brian to learn more about his tenure as Board President!
Elemental Music: How long have you been on Elemental Music’s Board of Directors?
Brian Driscoll: I joined the board in October 2016 and served as Vice President for one year in June 2017 before four years as President.
EM: What inspired you to get involved with Elemental Music in the first place?
BD: Not living on the westside, I wasn’t familiar with Elemental Music until I was “encouraged” by a Santa Monica College administrator and parent of an EM alum to join the board. As a probationary full-time faculty member at the time, it seemed an offer I couldn’t refuse! (I’m proud to say that I got to turn the tables on that administrator, Brenda Benson—she’s now serving as a dynamic director and officer on the EM board!)
Though I had served on several boards previously, I felt under-equipped to contribute to the EM’s board as a director, let alone as the eventual President. Fortunately, the organization’s practice, driven primarily by our Executive Director, Josephine, of encouraging professional development workshops and board training gradually bolstered my ability to understand what was going on and, with time, participate in leadership.
We hoped an SMC faculty member on the board would help to encourage a collaborative connection between EM and the college. Although the organizations serve distinct student populations, their missions align in serving the Santa Monica community. We look forward to seeing EM concerts, lessons, and rehearsals return to SMC’s Performing Arts Center when the need for extreme safety protocols decreases.
Brian Driscoll (President of the Board) with board members Marcia Capparela (Secretary), and Janie Docter
EM: What are some of your proudest achievements in the organization during your tenure as Board President?
BD: Since 2016, there have been tremendous developments in EM. We’ve always had phenomenal staff and dedicated, influential board leadership. In recent years, the programs have shone brighter than ever, and the board culture has matured, nurturing and inspiring board member engagement in new and more profound ways. I am proud to have been on the board through significant staff resource increases, the strengthening of our financial stability, and the revitalization of the board vision and engagement. The staff’s heroic persistence and success through the pandemic challenges and the organization’s deepening introspection and advocacy for equity and racial justice are additional, remarkable accomplishments.
EM: When you think about the future of the organization, what are you most excited about?
BD: So inspirational is the EM’s staff and board’s persistent commitment to return again and again to the question, “how can we do this work better?” We continually reflect on our effectiveness and pursue ways to improve how we serve our current participants while looking for opportunities to expand the community of families in our programs. There are some exciting possibilities on the table for the short- and long-term future of Elemental Music. Stay tuned!
It continues to be an honor to learn, grow, and serve in this organization. Thank you!