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Project Joy Orchestra Needs a Percussionist

Project Joy Orchestra Needs a Percussionist

Project Joy is an organization of volunteer 50+ entertainers who bring music into care/retirement homes, schools, assisted-living facilities, and more. It’s also one of Emerson-Garfield neighborhood’s nonprofit beneficiaries. Last year our neighborhood allotted them $1,000 out of our Community Development Block Grant funds.

Project Joy has a volunteer orchestra called, fittingly, the Project Joy Orchestra. As with any volunteer organization, their success relies on the right people stepping forward at the right time to donate their time and energy.

At the moment the PJO is in need of a percussionist (and they could always use a few other instrumentalists too). The following call for volunteer musicians has gone out:

Ever just wanted to hit something?

We are a group of retired folks, students, and fun-loving amateur musicians who enjoy weekly gatherings and making music. As it turns out, we are down to one percussionist. Anyone who has musical experience, reads music, and enjoys being around those who are so inclined, are welcome.

Our normal rehearsal times are 9:30am to 11:45am every Tuesday morning, and concert times are usually Thursday afternoons. Now would be a great time to become a part of the orchestra so we can plan our fall schedule. Come sit in on a rehearsal and perhaps even come to one of our concerts with an eye toward joining one of the finest and most fun volunteer musical organizations in the region.

There is always room for another string player, selected winds, and a cheerleader or two in addition to percussionists. Sometimes it is fun to come with a friend. Better yet, what would happen if you offered to carpool with them?

We actually have a party (with goodies) at every rehearsal! Everyone loves a party! And it doesn’t cost anything to join.

To look us over, go to http://pjorchestra3.eventbrite.com.

For more information, and/or to contact an orchestra representative, write to music@projectjoy.org, or call the Project Joy office at 509-535-0584. So, please come hit something! We will be glad you did! We think you will be glad, too.

The PJO is on summer hiatus right now, but they will be starting up again around Labor Day.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities

One of the most daunting things about volunteering to help among a large and disparate group like Emerson-Garfield neighborhood is knowing where you’ll fit in.

What opportunities are available to you? Where can you make the biggest contribution? Where will your support have the most impact?

As a resident, you can:

  • Join the Emerson-Garfield Neighborhood Council. The EGNC meets just once a month, and simply being there and offering input is all that’s asked of you. You’re able to voice your concerns, help decide how neighborhood money is spent, and get to know the folks who live a few streets away. It doesn’t matter if you own or rent your home.
  • Become a stakeholder in the E-G planning process. That “stakeholder” part isn’t quite as weighty as it sounds. All it means is that you’ll participate and help represent the residents of Emerson-Garfield as we work to outline the future of the neighborhood. What we plan now will affect the neighborhood for years to come.
  • Lead or support a sub-committee. Concerts in Corbin Park. Summer movie nights at Emerson Park. Annual neighborhood cleanup. Helping the local schools and businesses align themselves more closely with the residents. Maintaining this blog, our Facebook page, and e-newsletters. Working with the city to improving our parks and traffic. All these things don’t come about by themselves — they need people like you to make them happen.
  • Shop at neighborhood businesses. We lost two great businesses — The Chill Spot and Sparky’s Firehouse Subs — because they didn’t see enough patronage. So instead of going to Starbucks, try Caffe Delicio or Chairs Coffee. Make a point to visit Tossed and Found’s annual Barn Sale or drop by Eye Candy Antiques. Pick up some delicious, locally made organic salsa at Petunia’s.

As a business or property owner, you can:

  • Be a member of the North Monroe Business Association. The NMBA is the best forum for you to network with other business/property owners in the neighborhood. By working together, you can combat problems like graffiti and break-ins, and you can create a more vibrant business climate through street fairs, art walks, block sales, and more.
  • Attend Emerson-Garfield Neighborhood Council meetings. You might not live here, but your contribution to the neighborhood is something we recognize and value. Your participation and input is just as important as residents’.
  • Become a stakeholder in the E-G planning process. No, stakeholders don’t have to be residents — participation in the planning process can come from anyone who has a vested interest in the neighborhood. And keep in mind that this planning has the potential to affect your bottom line far into the future.
  • Support neighborhood events. By sponsoring or lending your business’s resources to E-G events, you can do good for the community, bring potential customers to our neighborhood, and increase your profile. For example: Step up to support concerts in Corbin Park, help cover the licensing fee for our summer movie nights, or pitch in with the annual neighborhood cleanup.

No matter what your background or where your interests lie, remember: You’re not anonymous. You can make a difference, even by volunteering for just an hour or two a month. But if you don’t become involved, you can’t help to guide and improve things.

And if you think you’re too busy to volunteer, think again. Some of our most active volunteers include parents of newborn babies and young children, “graveyard shift” policemen, owners of multiple businesses and properties, unemployed professionals who are searching for work, members of three or more volunteer organizations, and many other folks who are juggling work, family, friends, and hobbies. They make time because they know Emerson-Garfield has the potential to be the best neighborhood in Spokane.

For more info about what’s on offer and where you might be needed, get in touch with us using the short contact form on this page. Select “Volunteer Opportunities” as the subject.