Spotlight on Yoomi, Events & Outreach Intern

How has music education impacted you?

I grew up in orchestra rehearsal rooms, and was lucky enough to be mentored by passionate music teachers. Music education has been at the center of my life since I was five years old sitting in my first piano lesson. Coming from a very musical family, I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t surrounded by instruments. Although my time as a pianist was short lived, I was drawn to the deep sound and soul of the cello. Through this instrument and orchestra, I found a new world of opportunity. When I began playing cello, I never wanted to be in the spotlight. However, my orchestra teacher and private cello instructor, both of whom I worked with for over seven years, saw potential in me that I, as a shy kid, could not recognize in myself. They pushed me to be the best musician and person that I could be, and taught me what a genuine artistic community is. I eventually learned to trust myself and my musicianship, working my way up to sitting as Principal Cellist in my youth and high school orchestras, and consistently earning top seats in my Regional orchestra. 

Outside of the orchestra room, music education brought me irreplaceable friendships and support that I know I will have for life. The comfort and motivation I found in music inspired me to take on leadership roles and taught me how to persevere through frustrating moments in my life. I owe everything to the comprehensive music education and community I received from both my teachers and my peers.

Why did you choose ETM-LA for your internship?

The minute I read about this position and looked into ETM-LA, I felt deeply connected to the mission and knew I wanted to be a part of something so meaningful. Reflecting on my past two years at UCLA, during which I took a step back from the cello, I felt like I was losing my relationship with music–which is at the core of who I am. This internship offered me a chance to reconnect with music education and advocate for kids to build the same community that I did. When I interviewed, I could immediately tell that the people of ETM-LA wholeheartedly believed in the mission, and I wanted to be in a space where creativity and community were everyone’s top priorities. 

What are you hoping to gain from this experience?

The opportunity to learn about the intricacies of event planning was and still is a large factor in my interest in the Events & Outreach position. I have always loved and thrived within the beautiful chaos that comes with organizing events, and this internship is the perfect opportunity for me to continue to improve my coordination skills. Since starting my internship, I have also gained so much valuable knowledge related to the communications aspect of a non-profit. Every day I learn more about the best ways to spread awareness of ETM-LA’s mission, and the variety of organizational and relationship building skills that are required for effective outreach. I am also learning how my past experience fits into ETM-LA, and how to incorporate that into all of the new knowledge I am gaining about website building, outreach avenues, and design. Going forward, I hope to gain further insight into how outreach and behind-the-scenes work translates into real effects in the classroom, and connect to people involved in all aspects of music and education. 

What has been the most challenging part of your intern experience so far?

So far, the most challenging part of my experience has been adjusting to the full-time schedule/commute and style of work. I joined ETM-LA at a very exciting time, with our Hollywood Bowl event coming around two weeks after I started work, so I definitely jumped head first into the world of non-profits and event planning! Although there was a lot to learn fairly quickly, I loved getting to assist on so many aspects of the planning process and experience such an amazing opportunity along with the kids. The project organization and task prioritization skills needed to be successful were intimidating at first, but ultimately so rewarding when I got to see my work pay off in a real and meaningful way.

Why do you believe in ETM-LA’s mission?

Arts education has the potential to shape children’s lives in so many different ways, whether that is socially, academically, etc., and every child should have the opportunity to take advantage of this potential. Since high school, I have noticed a lack of appreciation for music education, and ETM-LA stands to change that. The focus on building quality music education is highly important to me, as making sure that students receive comprehensive instruction greatly increases their chances of continuing their involvement in music and just makes the experience much more enjoyable as a whole. Each and every ETM-LA music teacher brings a new, refreshing, and deeply personal perspective to teaching, which all children across Los Angeles and beyond should experience. I am so grateful to play even a small part in advancing ETM-LA’s mission!

ETM-LA is grateful to the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture for their longtime partnership and support!