Inspiring Music to All: A Gold Girl Story

Gold Award Girl Scouts are high schoolers who address issues they’re passionate about by planning and implementing a project that produces lasting change in the community and beyond. It is the Girl Scouts’ highest and most prestigious honor.

“Inspiring Music to All” aimed to ensure that children from diverse backgrounds and social strata had access to the transformative power of music.

“I want to spark interest in young children who might not otherwise get exposure to instruments,” Lily said. “Playing an instrument teaches many skills and expands people’s imagination, so being able to share this is why I’m so passionate about this project.”

Lily’s journey began when she was introduced to music at a young age. “Seeing the instruments in elementary school inspired me to pursue an instrument, which then greatly changed the next seven years of my life,” she explained. Understanding the impact of music on children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development, Lily aimed to provide similar opportunities to others.

She partnered with the Chambliss Center for Children, East Side Elementary School, and the Chattanooga State Child Development Center and assembled an ensemble to perform Disney music and teach children about musical instruments and the joys of learning to play. 

The ensemble comprised musicians from various age groups and backgrounds. Children experienced the unifying power of music as they observed the camaraderie among the musicians. The performances featured instruments ranging from violin and piano to guitar and percussion, as well as a singer who encouraged the children to participate, too.

Lily’s favorite aspects of the project included working with her team and witnessing the joy her efforts brought to the children. “Our ensemble became very close, which was especially fun since we were different ages,” she said. “If we didn’t have this kind of excuse to get together, we wouldn’t have gotten as close as we did. My other favorite part was definitely the kids loving every moment of the performances. Once we started playing they would sing along and ask questions, clearly enjoying everything.”

Lily’s project also included educational workshops so children could learn about different instruments and musical concepts and try playing an instrument. Lily and her team provided resources and information to parents and teachers, empowering them to continue nurturing the interest in music.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Lily and her team adapted by performing outdoors and maintaining a safe distance from the audience. They also used video conferencing to connect with children unable to attend in person, so they could still engage with the musicians.

Among Lily’s takeaways from her Gold Award project: “You really can do anything you put your mind to. There were definitely moments where I felt like giving up, but I pushed through, and I’m so thankful I did. Once the kids were laughing and showing huge smiles, I knew it was all worth it.”

The project was a success in encouraging children to explore music, igniting creativity and passion. For Lily, the journey has been an unforgettable experience that not only earned her the Girl Scout Gold Award, but also reinforced her love for music and her commitment to making a difference.

“I think I could definitely see myself continuing down this path,” she said. “I have always been interested in music education and working with nonprofits, so this experience has opened my eyes to the possibilities within those fields. I am excited to see where this journey takes me.”

Congratulations, Lily! Visit girlscoutcsa.org to learn more about the Girl Scouts.