Our new Music for All Impact series will introduce you to some of the incredible advocates of Music for All as they share their stories of Music for All’s impact on them and why there were compelled to pay it forward to ensure that others feel that impact as well. In today’s spotlight, we are thrilled to introduce you to Breanne St. Martin.
Breanne pictured left with a fellow swag.
How did you become involved with Music for All?
My high school required our band/color guard members to attend the Music for All Summer Symposium in order to hold a leadership position. I attended my first Summer Symposium the summer before my junior year, and loved it so much I went back the next summer too! And then I came back for four more summers to serve as a member of the SWAG team 🙂
What attracted you to the cause?
That first summer I wanted to be a color guard captain so I wanted to attend camp for the leadership skills, but I quickly learned that camp was so much more than that. I kept coming back to summer symposium (twice as a camper and 4 times a SWAG) because every summer I was given opportunities to grow as a human, as a performer, and as a member of a team.
What is your favorite Music for All memory?
There are honestly too many to pick just one. My favorites span from my first opportunity to spin with and meet members of a DCI color guard (Blue Coats 2007), to my first humbling day of SWAG team building, to watching a camper I taught become a SWAG herself, and of course Tutu Tuesdays!
What impact has music education had on your life?
I will always cherish the lessons I learned from music/marching band, attending the Summer Symposium gave me opportunities in leadership beginning in high school that extended far beyond a football field. From there it opened up doors for me to march 3 summers in DCI and those experiences taught me so much about myself, about being independent, and some major life skills including budgeting and time management.
What does Music for All’s mission mean to you?
The mission statement to create, provide, and expand positively life-changing experiences through music was actually my life between the years 2007-2015. From the moment I was a camper to current day, the most cherished memories and experiences I had all in one way or another come back to MFA.
What compelled you to be a donor?
I wanted to make sure that the “for all” in the mission statement came true. It can be expensive to participate in a marching band or experiences like the Summer Symposium, and I will never be able to fully give back any amount equal to what I got out of my time with Music for All.
In your opinion, what is the most important work that Music for All does?
It brings students from all across the country (and the world!) together to create opportunities for them to share their passion with others who love music just as much as they do.
What do you wish people knew about Music for All?
Music for All as an organization is so much more than marching/concert band, winds, strings, color guard, and drumline. Music for All is an organization that takes students and provides them with opportunities and connections that will change and mold their lives for many years to come.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about donating?
Do it! You have the ability to create a positively life-changing experience for someone and there is nothing more rewarding than knowing that you’re able to provide that.
