SHARING THE GIFT OF MUSIC

THE MUSIC STUDENTS’ SERVICE LEAGUE (MSSL)

OF SANTA CLARITA VALLEY

CAREESE

MSSL OF SANTA CLARITA VALLEY PRESIDENT

Getting Started. In July 2006, after seeing an advertisement for MSSL at the MTAC State Convention held at the Biltmore Millennium Hotel in Los Angeles, five piano students from the Santa Clarita Valley came together to brainstorm and plan a way to serve the community through music. With the support of a Santa Clarita Valley MTAC member, Alyse Korn the MSSL advisor, and with the permission of the Westfield Valencia Town Center mall, five piano students provided holiday music for shoppers for the first time in November 2006. The MSSL of SCV has not only provided the local mall with music on a monthly basis, but MSSL also performs regularly at several nearby senior homes. In just a short period of time the MSSL of Santa Clarita Valley has expanded to include over 30 members who have contributed their talents as the gift of music is spread throughout the Valley. Originally starting with pianists, the MSSL has grown to include other instruments such as the flute, alto sax, violin, and cello. The junior high and high school students represent almost every public, private, and home school in the Santa Clarita Valley.

What We’ve Done. The MSSL students have brought smiles to the seniors at the homes they have performed at. The seniors are not only treated to the talented playing of the students, but the students and the seniors also have a chance to interact and socialize while the students pass out homemade goodies and thank the seniors for coming to hear them perform. The elderly take pleasure in having the youth perform for them, and the kind words of the audience are always a great encouragement for the students. This past Easter 2008, the MSSL received donations from local stores like Target, Longs Drugs, Stater Bros., Ralphs, and Rite Aid. MSSL was able to put together 30 Easter care baskets that were passed out to the seniors in attendance at the Summerhill Villa performance. The Easter care baskets were an unexpected gift at this time of year that definitely brought a sense of brightness and joy to the Summerhill seniors that day. This past Christmas 2007, the MSSL had the chance to raise money for the organization with a bake sale booth at the Saugus High School holiday boutique. The MSSL raised $350 with the delicious homemade baked goods prepared by the students. The MSSL has also been asked to provide music services for events like a preschool graduation, a first communion party, and have been given the opportunity to perform at a Parks and Recreation Winter Festival. The MSSL is also a support to the SCV MTAC and has provided lunch to the judges of the annual Bach Festival.

This is Just the Beginning. Regular monthly performances at the Westfield Valencia Town Center mall will continue through the month of May. The MSSL with break for the summer, and will resume again in August when school starts. The first meeting before the school year begins with an annual summer social get together where old and new members gather to get to know each other better before starting a new year of performances. The MSSL of SCV hopes to fulfill their ultimate commitment of “sharing the gift of music” with the community around them. Receiving support from teachers, students, and the community is very crucial to the success of the MSSL. Thus far, the Santa Clarita Valley and the SCV MTAC has warmly welcomed the newly formed MSSL of SCV.

Vice President Jacob brings smiles to the faces of seniors while passing out goodies and taking the time to chat with them. MSSL students play on a regular basis at the Valencia Town Center mall in the Sears Court. (Back) Sijie, Elizabeth, Careese, Jacob, Tommy. (Front) Kristina, Brittany, William, and Aaron. This past Christmas 2007 the MSSL raised money at the bake sale booth at the Saugus High School holiday boutique. (Back) Careese, Sijie, Cameron (Front) William, Tommy, and Jacob.

The Hart High School Strings Orchestra participates at the Westfield Valencia Town Center mall along with the MSSL during Christmas 2007. Vice President Jacob and President Careese with the assembled Easter care baskets for the seniors at the Summerhill Villa thanks to the contributions from Target, Longs Drugs, Stater Bros., Ralphs, and Rite Aid. Cameron, Lauren, Careese, Brittany, and Aaron bring a sense of brightness and joy to the Summerhill seniors with the Easter care baskets.

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