ARCO – Student Volunteer Opportunity

Hello fellow GTCYS members,

We are writing on behalf of a volunteer program to recruit more students to join our mission.

Who We Are:
We’re ARCO—a student-led volunteer music group using the power of music to bring comfort, hope, and joy to those in need. Founded by four passionate middle and high school musicians in the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies, ARCO is rooted in both musical excellence and heartfelt service.

Each of our founding members has achieved remarkable accomplishments on the violin or cello. With strong bows, big hearts, and a deep belief that music can do more than entertain, we are committed to making a meaningful impact in our community.

Our Mission;

At ARCO, we believe music is more than performance—it’s a universal language of care, connection, and compassion. Our mission is to use the power of live music to uplift and support those who may feel isolated or overlooked, especially:

• Seniors in nursing homes who long for warmth, connection, and joy
• Youth in shelters or care facilities who need encouragement and emotional support
• Anyone who could benefit from the healing and inspiring presence of music

Through heartfelt performances and personal engagement, we aim to:

• Create connection and emotional resonance through music, bridging gaps across age, background, race, culture, and circumstance
• Offer moments of peace, beauty, and hope to people in transitional or challenging life stages
• Foster genuine, heart-to-heart relationships between young musicians and the communities they serve
• Use music as a tool for healing, mutual understanding, and empathy

In every note we play, we hope to remind others that they are seen, valued, and not alone.

What We Do

• Perform in small ensembles or as soloists, offering music that speaks to the heart
• Visit local senior centers, shelters, youth programs, and community facilities across the Twin Cities
• Share kind words and personal messages of encouragement through music
• Use each performance to brighten someone’s day and build human connection

Please sign up using our google form if you would like to be a part of this program!

Thank you,

Lucy Zhang, Summer Liu, Josie Snaza, and Lilia Smith

Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPgHovmaI0ZIZColTVVNRRblg1Q3-qsKphgOmqAZifY44McQ/viewform?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafbqXZUAzS4cBQs4rqJzKRM3z5FxRPSrfQsEJOoCoPHNci0QHB70jkWWNPEnw_aem_CwoUFRU1LcecjtHmdP1ILw

Website:https://sites.google.com/view/arcosite/home

Instagram: @arcomusicmaking