Filling Community Spaces with Music

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Ingrid Fellah. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.  

When Ingrid Fellah’s parents dropped her off at violin club, they had no idea their 6-year-old was about to discover a talent and lifelong passion. It was simply one of a handful of activity-based programs that would engage their daughter until they got off work. The club was facilitated by a nonprofit, the teacher a kind volunteer. Even after changing schools and leaving the program, Ingrid’s interest grew. Two years later, she got her first private instructor, a college student, and decided to dedicate herself to learning. 

In appreciation of her violin club’s role in her journey, Ingrid founded The Orfeo Project late last year to expand access to high-quality, live classical music through community-based performances, particularly for preschoolers and their caregivers. She and her team put on at least two free concerts a month at local libraries. They offer healthy snacks and educational workshops, often attracting repeat attendees and their families with a program that builds community, encourages curiosity, and strengthens familial bonds. 

Often, audience members are from a variety of language backgrounds, with music acting as a bridge for those whose participation might otherwise have been lost in translation. Ingrid, whose dad is French Tunisian and whose mom is Turkish American, appreciates the universality of her medium. Growing up visiting Turkey has left her with a particular affinity for songs from the country. 

As a rising senior at a music-focused high school, her summer has been spent attending a camp exclusively for advanced string players. She looks forward to furthering her music studies in college while eyeing a career in the field.

What inspired you to get started with The Orfeo Project? 

Growing up, my mom often spoke about how isolating being a stay-at-home parent could be. She dropped her job to be with me more, so she really wanted to take me somewhere every day, like the playground or the science museum or the library. She was always looking for ways to keep me curious and learning while staying within a budget.  

Her stories made me realize how important community spaces are for families. I wanted to create something for parents to look forward to, a place where they could spend quality time with their kids, meet other families, and enjoy music. The Orfeo Project would bring people together and give children opportunities to grow. 

I also teach two kids to play, providing the same mentorship and encouragement that I was fortunate to receive as a child. They’re 11 and 12 years old respectively. 

Tell us about your volunteer role. 

I devote about 10 hours each month to teaching, organizing programs, and coordinating volunteers and food deliveries. I also focus on building partnerships with libraries and community organizations, fundraising and expanding our outreach. 

My team, Edward and Alex Chen, also does outreach. And Alex performs. Right now, we have strings and piano, but I’d like to have more. I have new performers coming from their school. It’s harder to get people from my mine, because it’s further from the library. 

At events, we first set up the snack table. I practice before the concert and then we each play our bits. Afterwards, the kids learn how the instruments work and even play them. 

The kids—most of whom are 6 and under—snack and play with toys while we perform, because in normal concert spaces, kids aren’t allowed to do anything. They just sit there, and if they cry, they’re stared at. We offer a space where kids can relax, and parents and caregivers can also enjoy the music. When we’re done, we give them a free children’s book to take home. 

Why do you feel like it’s important for young people to have access to music? 

I’ve always had an unconditional love for music and I feel that a good experience with classical music helps children understand the world around them better. Music can reveal emotions that words could never convey. Music is also universal–no matter where you go, there will be music. It ties people together. And, in exposing kids to new things, you help them grow. 

What are your long-term plans or goals for the organization? 

If we get more interest from young performers, Orfeo will be able to host events after I leave for college. And we can expand to other libraries and other communities. I’d love to work with the New York Public Library. 

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work? 

It’s seeing the kids smiling, moved by the performances. I even see the adults really enjoying themselves. Many of them face a language barrier, but you can tell they’re moved.  

Sometimes, parents sacrifice their own enjoyment for their kids. They bring them to a playground and just sit on the benches, scrolling on their phones. So, it’s good for them, too. 

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer? 

I’ve learned a lot about myself, like how I interact with the audience. I’ve gotten much more confident. It’s helped my performance anxiety, too. As a violinist, it’s good to practice performing. I’ve learned about business, how marketing really pushes the organization, and even how to write an email. I’ve also learned that I really like kids and seeing them grow.  

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering? 

Be observational. If you see something that bothers you, and you can fix it or make it better, do it. If you think something is missing in your community, see how you can help. Then, you can grow your vision to benefit a larger population and other communities in the process.  

What do you want people to learn from your story?  

Those volunteers at the violin club introduced me not only to music but to mentorship, confidence, friendship, and opportunities I wouldn’t otherwise have experienced. Looking back, I doubt they ever imagined their encouragement would one day inspire another community program. Their example taught me that even a small act of volunteering can have an impact far beyond what we ever see.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Ingrid? Find local volunteer opportunities.