Meet Sheehan Hanrahan, a member of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra and a student at Alpharetta High School. A Youth Orchestra student council leader and sole student member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s Education Committee, Sheehan also develops community service projects for his school orchestra and now is developing a Youth Orchestra community service plan.
What started you on the path to community service?
I started early, joining clubs and activities in my elementary, middle and high schools, and a community organization with my family. In middle school, I was a member of the chamber music program, Beta Club, Junior Honor Society and a member of the Atlanta Indian Catholic Association. All these organizations arranged for community opportunities which I took part in; all of them exposed me to community service and giving.
Share a little about the community service plan you’re developing for the Youth Orchestra.
I envision every member participating in at least one community service project this season, which is a challenge because we do a lot more than practice and perform music. We’re involved in sports, school clubs, organizations and many other activities, but I am confident we can do it — from volunteering at instrument petting zoos and a Youth Orchestra fundraiser to working in the community. Student musicians are the Youth Orchestra’s greatest resource, and following the lead of the Atlanta Symphony, we have the potential to take our music and talents throughout Atlanta and Georgia. There are many of us and taking part in one service project will have a lot of impact in the community.
Tell us about your work with the ASYO Student Council.
I’ve been a member for two years. The student council is comprised of members from each [instrumental] section, and we meet throughout the year to discuss the non-music and social aspect of being in the orchestra and bring up any questions or concerns. We also plan events throughout the year that give students an opportunity to socialize and get to know one another. In the past we have held secret Santa gift exchanges and kickball games and will add community service as a priority.
What are the challenges you face as the “student voice” on the Orchestra’s Education Committee?
One of the biggest challenges is finding ways to make music more interesting and to incorporate it into students’ lives in the community and in their schools. Many students who would have been exposed to music at an early age are now missing out due to budget cuts, and this is devastating. We are all aware of the numerous studies that repeatedly show the positive effects of music on children, yet many families are not inclined towards music or are unable to afford private music tuition. My peers in the Youth Orchestra and I are a testament to the positive impact that music can have on students. I started playing the violin in fourth grade, and since then I have realized how much it has benefitted and helped me in various aspects of my life. There are many ideas as to how to solve this problem and efforts are underway to improve the situation.
How does the ASO impact your life and lives in your high school and community?
It’s my favorite thing about this city and has provided me with so many wonderful experiences and opportunities, both musical and non-musical. To me, there is nothing that can compare to a night at the symphony. Watching our outstanding orchestra perform music with unsurpassed skill and musicality offers me something that no movie or theater can. My visits to Atlanta Symphony Hall are always the highlight of my week and always create fantastic memories.
The Orchestra also allows us to grow and develop by providing us mentoring from by its musicians. Participating in master classes is a privilege that very few students elsewhere receive. Musicians volunteer their time to travel to schools throughout the city to work with students and teachers, and perform at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park and Chastain Park Amphitheater, Family concerts and Symphony Street concerts. These provide wonderful music experiences for the general public and serve to make the Symphony an ever bigger part of the Atlanta community.
On a more personal level, our parent orchestra has helped me develop my leadership, social, academic and organizational skills to a great extent. These skills have helped me start a chamber music group in my school that performs throughout the community, and represent the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra at local music camps. I am grateful.
