LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Music for a Good Cause


Andrew Wang and friends perform "Music for a Good Cause." Photos Cynthia Brian

Have you ever gone to the farmers' market, train station or public square when a musician was playing, and felt a whole new emotional world flow out from his guitar or fiddle, the soaring melodies permeating through the air and brightening the mood with a whiff of freshness and vigor? I have always been entranced and uplifted by the music of street performers, and at the same time inspired to share my own music with others.

On Veteran's Day the Campolindo Band and Orchestra performed classic American tunes for retired veterans at the Veterans Home of West Los Angeles. Two busloads of 80 high school music students hauled timpani, chimes, and other instruments to Los Angeles in order to commemorate the veterans for their service. A small crowd of veterans assembled to attend the performance, some with physical disabilities and nervous ticks, but almost all forced themselves to overcome physical hardship to stand up and salute proudly when their division's march was played. "It was an honor playing for the veterans," reflects cellist Brian Davis. "The experience made me think about the power of music to uplift and inspire."

"Music communicates directly with the soul," conductor Johnny Johnson says. "Performing music for our community and others is an important public service."

A similar event happened on Halloween as a part of the "Letters for Literacy" event for local literacy charity "Be the Star You Are!" A chamber group of friends and I performed some spooky and whimsical tunes at the Rheem Valley Shopping Center. The trick-or-treaters happily rejoiced in the combined atmosphere of bright harmonies and free candy. "It feels like we're trick-or-treating in Disneyland," exclaimed junior Yaman Jandali, who was trick-or-treating at local businesses with friends. Little kids dressed in vampire and princess costumes flocked around to enjoy the music and show their support by stuffing a dollar or two in the donation box. Even parents, who weren't trick-or-treating, showed great interest in the music and the charity, clapping along with the melodies and taking flyers. Performers and audience members tapped and danced to the rhythm of the music and had great fun.

Local groups are taking advantage of their musical abilities to promote good causes. Stay tuned. On Dec. 21, local teen musicians will perform at the Orinda Library to raise funds for Typhoon Haiyan disaster relief. Music is the universal language of connection and collaboration.

Andrew Wang, a volunteer with "Be the Star You Are!" charity, is a student at Campolindo High School. Besides writing and reporting, he enjoys programming on his computer, playing the piano and violin, and tossing Frisbees.

Teen Scene is YOUR voice. If you have something to say or have writing skills and want to be part of our Teen Scene team, email our Teen Coach, Cynthia Brian, Cynthia@CynthiaBrian.com.

The opinions expressed in Teen Scene are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Lamorinda Weekly.