Since its inception in spring 2003, Musicians on Call has been on a mission to deliver the sweet sounds of instrumental music to a deserving audience. The group, however, seeks to bring more than melodies, chords and notes to listeners. Musicians on Call, which is made up of members who play a variety of instruments, seeks first and foremost to bring comfort and inspiration to those who listen.
“Musicians on Call’s main objective is to provide soothing music to patients, employees and guests in the lobby or small waiting rooms at the University of Virginia Hospital,” said Michelle Wang, third-year College student and copresident of the group.
Members of the organization, who meet as a whole two to three times a semester to share and collaborate, sign up on a voluntary basis to play their musical instruments in pre-approved public areas at the hospital. Some members meet on a regular basis to practice in small groups, forming ensembles, Wang said.
While some performers have an extensive background in music, boasting more than a decade of musical experience, potential members should not be intimidated. The group holds auditions at the beginning of each academic year, during which the organization’s leaders evaluate potential performers’ musical capabilities.
“We have a certain standard, but we don’t require a lot of experience or skill,” Wang said. “We just make sure that the instrumentalist can play fluidly.”
Most of the performers play instruments of a softer type, such as the piano, string and wind instruments, but Wang and copresident Betty Xiong, a third-year College student, assure potential members that instrumentalists of all types are welcome.
First-year College student Patrick Melmer, who has been involved with Musicians on Call since his first semester, began playing the acoustic guitar, his instrument of choice, in seventh grade. “Initially, I wanted to learn how to play the guitar to start my own rock band like many teenage boys dream of doing,” Melmer said. “Since then, music has done a world of good for me. I don’t know what I would do without it.”
Melmer said he wanted to get involved with Musicians on Call before even coming to the University. “The summer before I came to U.Va., I found Musicians on Call online. The name of the group stood out to me.”
Musicians on Call is more than just an opportunity for students to entertain others by playing their instruments. Volunteering through the organization is also a way to relieve stress.
“Playing my guitar at the hospital keeps my hopes up. It’s a great break from the stress of my course load,” Melmer said. “Playing with Musicians on Call gives me the opportunity to connect with music, my biggest hobby. It’s really exciting for me.”
Through his involvement with the group, Melmer has been able to further pursue his other interests as well. As a premed student, Melmer uses the opportunity to familiarize himself with the medical environment.
Although performing in the hospital, and in any public location, can be very fulfilling, Melmer said it can also be initially challenging because many musicians experience nervousness.
“As a musician, you have to become vulnerable,” Melmer said. “Even though you practice, you never know how people will react. As a performer, I know that feeling all too well.”
Melmer said while he experienced nervousness at first, the feeling dissolved after a few strums of his guitar. “Music creates a peaceful atmosphere and calms people,” he said. “In turn, the musician feels that way, too.”
In this way, instrumentalists also receive the satisfaction of helping to alleviate hospital guests in pain or dealing with a great deal of stress, Xiong said.
“There is a social and personal aspect to music,” Wang said. “Musicians on Call gives performers the chance to use their skills in a compassionate way.” She added that group members seek to provide a sense of comfort in such a tense environment. “Playing for patients and guests at the hospital allows us to express our wish to help others through our music. This translates well in a hospital setting.”
The music is usually well received by patients and visitors at the hospital. People will smile and sit down to enjoy the songs, Melmer said, sometimes even complimenting the musicians. “Everyone turns around and listens. Young children especially enjoy the music. Some will just stand and watch.”
When performing, volunteers must adhere to a dress code, which prohibits offensive clothing and open-toed shoes, but are otherwise free to perform as they prefer, Xiong said. Each musician is allowed to select his or her own music.
“Musicians in our group play out of their own inspiration,” Xiong said, explaining that musicians usually practice and perform on their own.
One of the unique aspects of Musicians on Call is the diversity among its members. The group is made up of students with different majors, of different years and from different cultures. Though the group is quite diverse, Wang said the one thing every member has in common is a love for music and service.
“Members of Musicians on Call are passionate about music, sharing and reaching out to others,” Wang said.
One of the organization’s goals is to branch out and perform in more locations and intimate environments, such as intensive care units, waiting rooms and around the community. The group is currently working on constructing a visiting musicians program that will allow musicians to do just that, Wang said.
Aside from the feel-good service aspect of being a member of Musicians on Call, another benefit is being able to express your unique style, Melmer said.
“Everyone who is interested should audition,” Melmer said. “The great thing about Musicians on Call is that everyone in the group has a different style and technique, and that’s a good thing.”
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