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!
Roen is a high school musician who we met this year through our volunteer program. Her fantastic attitude and her dedication to the next generation of musicians inspire us and her fellow volunteers! We are so happy to have gotten to know Roen through her community service work and are excited to introduce you to this superstar volunteer!
Elemental Music: How did you first become involved in volunteering with Elemental Music?
Roen: I first became involved in volunteering with Elemental Music when I saw a post about it in the Samohi Symphony Orchestra’s Google Classroom. The post advertised a quick Google form to apply as a volunteer, and after reading the Elemental Music blurb, I was hooked. I quickly filled it out and the rest is history!
EM: With so many commitments in life, why did you choose to carve out time for volunteering?
Roen: In a general sense, I think volunteering is important to give back to your community, but volunteering in music is more meaningful to me than just any volunteering opportunity. Seeing young musicians invest their time with such excitement motivates me to work twice as hard to carve out time for this program.
EM: If you could be any superhero while volunteering, who would you be and why?
Roen: If I could be any superhero, I would definitely be Mr. Incredible. Working backstage for Elemental Music concerts is what I’ve done most, and moving the risers, stands, and chairs in an efficient manner is no joke. Especially the choir risers — if I could just pick them up, I think my job would be much easier!
EM: What makes Elemental Music special to you?
Roen: As I mentioned before, it’s definitely the young musicians that motivate me to continue volunteering. I wish I had participated in a program like Elemental Music when I was younger, a program where a passion for music is apparent in every member. As a high school musician at Samohi, I love watching the future musicians further their craft as they rise up the ranks, and knowing that Elemental Music gives me this opportunity gives it a special place in my heart.
EM: Could you share a memorable moment while volunteering for Elemental Music?
Roen: My most memorable moment while volunteering for Elemental Music is actually a collection of moments that eventually led to a new friend. I was volunteering with two acquaintances from school, when they suddenly had to go mentor some students. With no one to talk to, I started wandering and eventually got put to work with a girl I didn’t recognize. It was a little awkward at first, but after that initial stage of ‘get to know you questions’, we started bonding over the struggles of ripping tape. Slowly I started to get to know her better and introduced her to other volunteers. And thankfully, we haven’t lost contact! We keep in touch at school, and I’ve been inspired by her dedication to music as a relatively new viola player. I haven’t told her this, but she’s inspired me to practice multiple times when my motivation was lacking.
EM: If you could choose one area to volunteer next time, what would it be? Why?
Roen: For this one, I have to stick with concert volunteering once again. At concerts, there’s always something to do, someone to meet, or music to enjoy. I’ve made new friends and strengthened acquaintanceships. The amount of work and people it takes to run a concert always blows my mind, and I’m happy to help in any way I can. Concerts are always enjoyable without the stress of performing.
EM: How has volunteering helped you connect with others, or build relationships within your community?
Roen: Volunteering has genuinely helped me better get to know others in my high school’s music program. Besides making new friends and strengthening bonds, I’ve also gotten to know the people who run Elemental Music better. It’s definitely opened my eyes to other opportunities, like being invited to auditions for a wind chamber ensemble.
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?
Roen: I would say: if there was anywhere to volunteer that would be flexible with an impacted schedule, it would be Elemental Music. Volunteering involves signing up for dates that work for the volunteer, and as someone with a constantly changing schedule, time and resources have never been an issue. The volunteer program is extremely welcoming, and I wouldn’t want to be volunteering anywhere else.
Interested in getting involved as a volunteer with our programs? Email Juanita Devis for more information!