We have reached our first milestone: $1,000 (1/5 of our goal). Thank you so much to everyone who supported our fundraising campaign, and let's keep working together to fight COVID-19.
We also post updates on our websites, ebppe.org and music4heart.org, so feel free to check them out.
Updated: May 10, 2022
The March Volunteer Concert was planned to be held at School of Imagination (https://www.schoolofimagination.org/) on 03/13/2020. However, it was canceled the night before due to the closures and restrictions caused by COVID-19.
By Chloe Jeon
When I first looked at the music, I was going to play for the March performance, I balked. I had expected simple whole note chords to accompany the beautiful melody of “You Raise Me Up”: something I could easily sightread in a day. However, what I got instead was 3-on-2 rhythms and a whole page where I played the melody — meaning that I actually had to practice the music. So I did. By the time Thursday rolled around I was proud of the time and effort I had put in to perfect the music, when that night, I received an email saying that the performance would be cancelled. I had mixed feelings. I was glad /that we wouldn’t have to expose ourselves and the kids to the potential risk of acquiring COVID-19, but at the same time, I was disappointed that we wouldn’t get to perform. However, I am grateful that we are safe and healthy thanks to self-isolation, and I look forward to the day when we can interact normally again (and maybe reschedule our performance for the kids?).
By Andrew Choi
Preparing the music for this performance was a lot of fun because I was playing a lot of stuff I had a played when I was much younger so revisiting those pieces were a lot of fun. When the performance was cancelled, I was a little disappointed but obviously there was nothing we could do about the circumstances but it was still nice to practice and go through the repertoire for the performance.
By Ella Jeon
About a week before the expected volunteer concert of March, we began practicing with high hopes and eager thoughts. I was especially excited, as we would be playing for a very young audience, which is something I’d never done before. However, during the night before our performance, it was announced that due to the wide-spreading coronavirus, we would not be able to play. Despite my disappointment of being unable to meet the little kids, I understand the need to cancel the meeting, as safety should always come first. On the other hand, I hope this world-wide issue will soon get better and that everyone stays healthy. Meanwhile, I look forward to possibly finding a way to reschedule the volunteer concert, and once again be able to play for the kids.
By Lauren Tran
When I first learned about the March volunteer concert for the preschoolers, I was eager to recall my past pieces when I was young. Some of the songs were exciting and nostalgic for me, so I was enthusiastic to perform them. When the March concert for the preschoolers was canceled due to the coronavirus, I was a bit disappointed. I would've loved to play for the preschoolers and share my passion for music with them. I also would have loved to see their reactions and feel the satisfaction and joy that overtakes you after benefitting others. Most importantly, I wanted to play together with my friends as a whole for the preschoolers. Not only would it be fun, but it would also show them that cooperation and harmony pay off after diligent work. Despite this, I still had an enjoyable time working on my pieces. I look forward to our next performance and am hopeful that everyone stays safe during these challenging times.
Updated: May 10, 2022
Music4Heart
February Volunteer Concert was held at The Parkview Senior Living on 02/17/2020
Today, our first performance, was a great learning experience. We all persevered despite our nervousness, and by trying our best, we were able to deliver a small package of joy to the seniors. I truly enjoyed watching their faces light up with joy and excitement as we played for them, and I’d like to spread those feelings to more people of all ages and situations. Although the performance wasn’t perfect, for a first try, I am greatly satisfied with how it went. I am excited to continue to improve in our music-making, performing, and speaking skills, and I look forward to our next performance, where we will be delivering our love for music to adorable preschoolers.
Written by Chloe Jeon
Playing for the people at the volunteer concert gave me a feeling that the music I was making in front of those people was being appreciated and that made me feel grateful. After playing through my piece, many of them were smiling and look at one another and it reminded me why I loved playing the instrument. The joy and happiness I was able to give to them through the concert made me feel grateful that I was able to introduce those emotions to them in the moment. A lady even approached me afterwards and told me that her son used to play an instrument too and that she greatly enjoyed the music and from that, I understood that the program had really connected with her and with the others in the audience.
Written by Andrew Choi
Playing for the senior center was an incredible experience.Although, it was nerve-wracking before I began to play. Playing music really puts the tension on you, especially when it's for other people's benefit. As I heard the seniors fall silent, a warm and fluttering feeling gradually enveloped my body. Being there right at that moment felt astonishing. The pressure lightened after playing my songs because I knewthat music brought joy to the seniors. Hearing the seniors clap after each of my pieces made my confidence build every second, which resulted in the best feeling in the world.
Written by Ella Jeon
Inspiring others with my music has always been a big part of my commitment as a musician. Today, I received the opportunity to do just this, by performing a piece on my violin to seniors. I've been taught much from the experience and I look forward to being able to try again, learn from my mistakes, and continue to inspire more people, young and old. Having this chance to share music with others truly encouraged me to pursue my goals, as both a young musician and an ordinary person hoping to make a difference.
Written by Lauren Tran
