I started playing the violin when I was six years old, and at twelve, I began playing the viola too, drawn to its deep, rich sound. Between the viola and hockey, I found an opportunity at Groton School in New England where I could continue enriching both, as well as my other passions.
Music has been a major part of my life, not only because of orchestra and chamber music, but because of the discipline, collaboration, and friendships that music has taught me.
In 2022, when I was thirteen, my viola teacher brought me along to perform at a senior living center. During the concert, I watched as residents began to smile, sing or hum along, and even get up from their walkers to dance to the melodies they recognized. Seeing the joy that the music spread throughout the room changed my perspective on performing completely.
I realized that young musicians like me would spend months preparing a piece, putting in our blood, sweat, and tears. Then, we would perform it once or twice, at a teacher’s recital or a competition, and move onto the next one. I began connecting the dots: what if we could create new performances for those aspiring musicians while bringing joy to those who need it?
From this question, OCAPEX was born.
I started reaching out to musicians I already knew, and sending messages to groups who may have been interested in joining. My mom also presented the group to parent circles and friends. Slowly but surely, my spontaneous idea started to become something real. The journey began from a small circle of friends and became a student-led nonprofit organization where young musicians use the talents they hone to serve the community.
I have found out that music does not just mean performing; it starts conversations, creates intergenerational friendships, and reminds people that they have not been forgotten.
Today, OCAPEX has provided over 50 community performances, having brought together students from all over South Florida to perform in senior homes, hospitals, memorial events, and charity concerts. We’ve partnered with wonderful organizations such as Imagina Children’s Foundation, which funds various educational and artistic projects for underprivileged children in León, Mexico, and the Ann Storck Center, which cares for people of all ages affected by developmental disabilities. With Imagina, we were able to raise more than $10,000 for the children and families they serve. Performing at Ann Storck for residents who don’t get visitors often has been very meaningful to me as well.
However, among the most purposeful opportunities offered through OCAPEX is watching younger students grow. Some of them step onto a stage for the first time through our organization, starting out shy and timid. As they progress performance after performance, the hesitation begins slipping away and their true selves start to shine. They learn that music is a blessing and a form of expression rather than a hobby they were forced into or a relentless cycle of recitals and competitions. Honestly, watching them realize that has become as worthwhile as performing.
As OCAPEX continues to grow, I hope it turns into more than just a music organization. I want it to become a place where the youth can learn that their talents can be used for a greater purpose: to serve someone else.
To me, true success is not defined by our own achievements.
It is the opportunities we can create for others.