Spotlight on 2023 ETM-LA Interns
Thank you to the LA County Department of Arts & Culture for your continued sponsorship!
Antonio Vallejo Jr
Program & Operations Intern
How has music education impacted you?
I’ve always appreciated music since I was a kid. It wasn’t until my sophomore year of high school that my cousin noticed I would play along to music I listened to– just drumming rhythms with my hands. She encouraged me to talk to the music director at our school, and the next semester I joined their music program. Learning how to play music took my appreciation for it to the next level. I was able to more deeply connect with the music I would listen to. Before I started playing music, I had trouble coming out of my shell and forming relationships with others. I think having the courage to play with people in front of others gave me the courage I needed to break that habit. Music education has also given me inspiration to strive for something more than just “getting by with good grades” through seeing how the talented people around me have become who they are through their dedication.
Why did you choose ETM-LA for your internship?
The opportunity stumbled upon me at the right time. I felt stuck with my other job and brought this up during one of my private percussion lessons. My private instructor at SMC mentioned this internship to me because one of her former students had been an intern with ETM-LA. Being a great mentor, she pushed me to take this opportunity. Before I knew it, I was interviewed by them and realized they saw music education the way I did. It brought me great comfort knowing that.
What are you hoping to gain from this experience?
I’ve only had experience being a student or team member in a music classroom, and I wanted to see what it would be like being in a position of leadership. I came in hoping to interact with music educators -to get behind the scenes in the career path I’m following – and to learn useful tips and strategies for running a classroom.
What has been the most challenging part of your intern experience so far?
The most challenging part of my experience so far has been taking the lead role in tasks and projects for the team. There are templates and ideal ways to get tasks done but they’ve also given me freedom to try new things and see what works better. I will say this has been a good thing as it has pushed me to become better at planning. I also struggled learning to take concise/detailed notes and asking questions. As a forgetful person, this was something I had to get used to so that it would make doing my tasks more efficient.
Why do you believe in ETM-LA’s mission?
I believe in ETM-LA’s mission because growing up, I didn’t have access to music classes until high school. I think all students should have access to a music class so they can be inspired by others, or at least find their own sense of welcome and belonging with a music educator that will help them grow as musicians and individuals. While working this internship, I have seen how much ETM-LA really cares for giving the opportunity for children to learn reading and playing music by partnering a music educator with a school searching for a music teacher.
Sunny Smith
Communications Intern
How has music education impacted you?
Music education has given me a chance in the world of classical music. As a Black woman, there are so many spaces that are closed, classical music being one of many. I was lucky enough to have ETM-LA as a part of my daily curriculum in elementary school, and it planted the seed of appreciation and understanding of genres of music that I would not have been exposed to otherwise. So many opportunities have opened up around me because of having a music education. I am forever grateful to ETM-LA for giving me that chance.
Why did you choose ETM-LA for your internship?
ETM-LA has always felt like home. I had always been on the receiving end of the program, and I felt the urge to give back. I originally had volunteered here and there, but when I found out they had an open position for the summer as a Communications Intern (which aligns with my college major) I jumped at the opportunity. I knew it would be work that felt fulfilling, and it has continued to live up to that standard.
What are you hoping to gain from this experience?
I’m hoping to really understand the inner workings of communications as a whole. Sure, I could learn about it through school and life, but it’s much different being involved and hands-on. Life is all about building connections- and there’s definitely an art to it. How you speak to others is a skill, and even how you listen to others. It takes time, and it’s comforting to have the support of those who have been involved in the program to act as guides to complete this goal.
What has been the most challenging part of your intern experience so far?
The most challenging part of my internship thus far is to think “outside of the box”. As an academic, I’m used to having tasks and fulfilling them with a deadline. With communication, you really have to think creatively, whether that’s creating new graphics for a social media post, or even how to engage an audience with your writing. There’s no template for communication; it’s an individual experience. It has really pushed me to reach into my heart and mind to pour out my best work.
Why do you believe in ETM-LA’s mission?
ETM-LA is where it all started for me. It has been my greatest pleasure to work with this organization. To see the excitement that surrounds those who are involved in the program and their passion to give children in under-resourced schools an equal opportunity that otherwise would not be easily accessible to them means everything to me. I can see myself through the lens of these students, and I know the bright future that awaits them because of the knowledge and music they were taught.