More Than Mozart (MTM) is Ardsley High School’s music outreach club. Founded in September of 2018 and performing six concerts since then, one could say that this club is truly making its mark on our community.
As a member of the club myself, I can definitely speak to the validity of this assertion. I was lucky enough to be able to sit down (virtually!) with Elizabeth Chun, the club’s Founder and President, to learn more about the origins of the club and what it means to be a part of it.
For some background, MTM gives performances all around Westchester; these performances are either to fundraise for local charities, or to share music at senior citizens homes and hospitals. Some of the club’s recent venues have included the Greenburgh Public Library, Atria Woodlands and Willow Towers (both assisted living facilities), and Elizabeth Seton Children’s Hospital.
Furthermore, one of my favorite aspects of the club has been that it is diverse in every way. For starters, Chun emphasized that “[MTM has] diverse musicians, so we are able to perform diverse music.” And, even if you do not have a specific musical talent, you are welcome at MTM (the club can always use extra hands on deck for planning its many events!). After all, “[MTM] transcends one’s individual strengths.” Chun continues to explain the club’s diverse members, saying that “some of the members who joined our club, originally as helpers, were also dancers and had the idea that perhaps they could arrange performances with some of the musicians.” As someone who has been to every MTM performance, the dances are some of the most enjoyable parts. Their performances truly embody the diversity that MTM stands for.
When COVID-19 struck locally, MTM faced a challenge: they wouldn’t be able to hold the public fundraising concerts that they had planned. But, the pandemic also provided new areas to which MTM’s service could be directed. After several virtual board meetings, most of which ran up to two hours long, the board members came up with an idea. They would use social media as a platform to share virtual music performances, while running a GoFundMe.
"After several virtual board meetings, most of which ran up to two hours long, the board members came up with an idea. They would use social media as a platform to share virtual music performances, while running a GoFundMe."
Preparing group performances from home proved a challenge at first, but MTM rose to the occasion. Each musician was assigned their part, which they rehearsed from the safety of their own homes. Once the entire group had recorded their performances, Vice President of Music Repertoire Lily Ritterman-Peña, used iMovie to combine the individual performances and create a joint final performance.
MTM members agree that while unprecedented circumstances have certainly forced MTM to adapt, MTM’s mission has not changed. Whether it be through an in-person concert or through a virtual platform, MTM has continued to use music to help others.
To learn more, visit: morethanmozart.org
To watch performances, visit: youtube.com/channel/UC69CtHDWkBJMztjSwIhjVDQ
Instagram: @morethanmozart
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