Young People BringingJoy of Music to Our Community
In March 2016, students from Stockdale High School in Bakersfield, California, decided to start volunteering at a local retirement facility. Instead of simply volunteering their time, the students decided to bring their unique talents to serve the seniors. Some sang with them, some danced with them, and one by the name of Isaac Kim played violin for them. After a few months, other students moved on, but Isaac decided to continue and his brother, Ian Kim, a violinist, joined him.
Over the years, Isaac and Ian had their friends perform with them from time to time, but they were unable to recruit them in regular bases. However, they did not get discouraged and continued to perform week after week. They especially loved to perform at the Memory Care Unit where most people did not recall seeing them perform the week before, but asked them to come the following week to perform for them.
The group did not thrive until 2017, when Christina Xin, Giana Park, Jeannie Yuan, Zaylie Pascillas, Philippe Marinas, and Rachel Pan joined the Kim brothers on a regular basis and Music of Bakersfield was born. Since then we have added more volunteers including both elementary and junior high string players.
The mission of Music of Bakersfield is to bring young volunteers and senior citizens together through the joy of music. We advocate for music and art education in public and private school systmem. We believe in the healing power of the music and especially love to perform for Alzheimer's and Memory Care patients.