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!
As we continue National Volunteer Month, we’re excited to introduce you to Elemental Strings dad Tony Huynh. We just met Tony this season and he is already an MVP on our volunteer team! He was essential in helping us organize our annual fundraising auction, as well as co-leading our Wine Wall fundraiser at the Tasting Notes gala with fellow volunteer Julie Kim! Tony’s enthusiasm and go-getter attitude make him a joy to work with, and we’re so grateful that he is sharing his time with us this year to make our community stronger. We hope you enjoy getting to know Tony in our interview with him!
Elemental Music: How did you first become involved in volunteering with Elemental Music?
Tony Huynh: This is our first year with Elemental Music, so we didn't have too much background on the program, events, or various volunteer opportunities. I saw some emails go by with volunteer opportunities so I figured there was no better way to learn more about the program than just diving in. A few months passed and before I knew it, I was selling tickets for our amazing Wine Wall at the gala!
EM: With so many commitments in life, why did you choose to carve out time for volunteering?
TH: Every volunteer opportunity I can recall doing has always been driven by a group or individual who has expressed passion for a cause, reason, or objective. It's exciting to be a part of that and to be on the ground floor. I find volunteering to be fun; it’s a good way to meet new people and experience things through a different lens.
EM: If you could have any super power while volunteering, who would it be and why?
TH: I think it would be amazing if I could read people's minds! Whenever you get a group of people together, I think it's so important to understand everyone's strengths and what they really want to do or enjoy doing. So, from the perspective of organizing the responsibilities of the volunteers, it'd be nice to be able to get everyone in a role that they'll really enjoy and want to come back to do again.
EM: What makes Elemental Music special to you?
TH: Love this question! I have two answers here, one from a parent perspective and one from a wider lens.
At an early age I think playing music can be an individual activity. Elemental Music makes it possible to be more social and to get kids to learn to communicate and interact in a very collaborative and social environment. Our daughter has met many new friends and really grown an appreciation for music. Many characteristics we hope our kids get through activities - teamwork, awareness, self-development, and identification, to name a few - are part of this Elemental experience.
From a wider lens, I think the program provides so many opportunities for individuals to have access to music, and to have access to a vehicle to create positive memories and experiences. Everyone in the program - whether you're a student, teacher, volunteer, or family of a student - you really are part of this special community where you can make a direct impact on others involved.
EM: Could you share a memorable moment while volunteering for Elemental Music?
TH: I had such a great time selling Wine Wall tickets. You need to check it out next year if you haven't had a chance to see it! With that said, I think one moment that always excites me a little is making donation requests for our Gala auction. When I received approval from a business after my first auction donation request, I had this moment of shock where I had to ask myself, "Wait did this really just happen? Did I really just land an item for the auction?!"
EM: Do you have a favorite volunteer area with Elemental Music?
TH: I'm a fairly social person, so any opportunity to interact with people really excites me. Though I must say, working behind the scenes does allow you to see all the effort and energy that goes into the events and the program.
EM: If you could choose one area to volunteer next time, what would it be? Why?
TH: 100% you'll see me doing something at one of the concerts. Schedules haven't quite aligned for me to be out there but I really want to get a chance to volunteer at an event that the people in the program have put so much time and energy towards. I think the concerts are the culmination of the effort the kids have put into this.
EM: How has volunteering helped you connect with others, or build relationships within your community?
TH: Aside from getting to meet a lot of people you may not have met otherwise, I think volunteering gives you a common base and foundation to build upon in any group setting. You'll be surprised at how wide your network ends up being because of the volunteer opportunities you participate in.
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?
TH: I think I would tell them to just dive in. You really will get out what you put in. It really doesn't matter how big or small the opportunity is when it comes to volunteering because it's a team effort and it will be fun to be part of that team.
Interested in getting involved as a volunteer with our programs? Email Juanita Devis for more information!