Opportunities — Just Waiting For You!
North Coastal New Horizons Band
The national New Horizons Band program was developed by professor Roy Ernst of the Eastman School of Music in 1991. The program offers adults the chance to learn to play a concert band instrument and perform with other amateur musicians. The program has introduced thousands of people to the joys and benefits of music making.
The local North Coastal New Horizons Band is the Carlsbad affiliate of the National program—and hosted right here at the Museum of Making Music. Conducted by Allison Hargis, the band typically adds new members in the fall. Which means...the time is right for you to contact Allison for more information about participating. Hargis received her Bachelor’s degree in music education (flute) from Baylor University and a Master’s degree in educational administration from United States International University. She also taught band in the Poway Unified School District (where she met her band director husband) and has been with the North Coastal New Horizons Band since 2002. So you are in good hands!
North Coast Strings
North Coast Strings is a musical ensemble designed to be an entry point for adults (age 21 and up) who would like to learn a stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass) or for those who have played in the past, but haven’t picked up their instrument in a number of years. The orchestra is hosted—that’s right—by the Museum of Making Music and directed by Paula Simmons. And again (no coincidence), a new session begins in the fall (October to be exact).
Paula Simmons, our founding North Coast Strings conductor, received her Bachelor’s degree in music education from Viterbo College, a fine arts college in La Crosse, WI, and her Master of Music in viola performance from Florida State University in Tallahassee. Paula has played with many professional groups and is currently the violist with Quartetto Sorrento. Along with her partner, Kevin Smith, she owns and operates The Violin Shop right here in San Diego. She also maintains a busy private teaching studio.
For more information on both of these programs, contact Carolyn Grant
Volunteer Program
As a nonprofit organization, the Museum of Making Music relies heavily on the support of dedicated volunteers. Volunteers can serve as docents, gallery attendants, store clerks, event staff, and office support. And if you have other interests or talents, we can probably find a spot for you as well.
By joining the volunteer team, you not only help the Museum achieve its mission, you also meet fellow music-lovers and become a member of a supportive community. Ask Betty, a volunteer who says, “By volunteering at MoMM, I’ve found a group of people I can share my deep involvement and love of music with... But best of all, I enjoy giving tours to children, which keeps me in touch with young folks after retiring from my teaching career. Where else could I find all this?”
Volunteers have monthly meetings, education sessions, and annual appreciation events. But best of all, volunteers have fun. And feel great knowing they are helping to make music come alive in peoples’ lives.
All are welcome to apply to be a volunteer. We currently have over 60 active volunteers whose ages range from teens to seniors! The first step in becoming a volunteer is to take part in our volunteer training program. The training program is conducted once a year, beginning in the summer, but if you miss that start-up date, there are still plenty of opportunities to participate until the next volunteer training session comes around.
So don’t wait. Get involved. Contact Bill Kilpatrick (aka “Mr. Bill”) at (760) 304-5819 to discuss volunteer opportunities at the museum! Or complete our volunteer interest form online, and we’ll contact you.
