Michael Berkowitz – the Face of Playing for Change

Alana: Where did you find the Playing for Change foundation?

Michael: My brother introduced the foundation to me.  He told me that the foundation raises money to build music schools in Africa by creating cover songs with street musicians.

Alana: What made you decide to do community service for Playing for Change?

Michael: Music has always been a huge part of my life.  During my freshman year, I noticed that most of the music concerts consisted of the school orchestra, the school band, or the school choir.  There were not many concerts for student musicians who were not a part of any of these groups. I wanted to provide an opportunity for unheard student musicians to perform at Pine Crest.

Alana: In what ways has Playing for Change changed you?

Michael: Playing for Change has really taught me to pay attention to every little detail, regardless of the situation.  Before I created a concert, tiny details such as microphone positions and reverberation of amplifiers never really occurred to me.  Even when I pack my bag for school, I am more attentive to what I need for the upcoming day.

Alana: How has PFC at PC evolved since it began?

Michael: PFC began my sophomore year, and it only had about one hundred people in the audience.  We raised about $450.  The next year, the concert started to gain popularity.  We had over three hundred people in the auditorium, and we raised over $1,100.  In the last concert, on October 18, we raised over $1,300.  The concert has gone from a small open mic concert to a major homecoming tradition at Pine Crest.

Alana: What are the future steps for PFC?

Michael: After the concert, the Pine Crest students wanted to hear more from the fifteen incredible acts that performed. We are hoping to have another concert at the end of January.

Alana: Who will be taking over next year, now that you are graduating?

Michael: My friend Julia Sabra (Class of 2015) will be taking over after I graduate.  She has been a huge help during the past two years, not to mention her incredible talent for writing and performing music.

Alana: Will you be taking PFC to college? If so, how will you incorporate it into your college life? If not, how will PFC stick with you as you leave PC?

Michael: I hope to start a PFC chapter in college also.  Even though it is a lot of effort, the end result is completely worth every minute of work.

Ms. Alexanderson – the Advisor

Alana: All of the students can tell that you absolutely love PFC. What is your favorite part of the concert?

Ms. A: Playing for Change is one of my favorite events on campus because I am always in such awe of what my students are capable of.  I have always loved music and longed to be able to play an instrument well – and when I see these students preforming original works or singing a well known tune even better than the original, it is inspiring and exciting. I really do love it!

Alana: How has PFC evolved since it first started in 2010?

Ms. A: I think the changes are simple – more excitement, more involvement, more fun.  With the growing support from the student body and other faculty members I think the event has fostered a following.

Alana: What are you looking forward to for the future of PFC?

Ms. A: I can only imagine that with each year the list of performers will grow, the among of original works will increase, and it will become more exciting.  I hope that they continue to have these event – maybe even twice a year!

Julia Sabra – the New Face of PCF

Alana: When did you first participate in Playing for Change?

Julia: I first participated in Playing for Change last year (my freshman year).  At that point I was just one of the performers, and I never really expected to be able to help with the cause.

Alana: What benefits do you see due to PFC?

Julia: As a musician, I think that Playing for Change benefits us by helping to give back to the community.  I have been involved in music my entire life, but I have never been able to take part in a charity concert like PFC.  Playing for Change gave me the opportunity to come together with other musicians who love music just as much as I do, and to help make a difference at the same time.

Alana: In what ways has PFC personally changed or impacted you?

Julia: Playing for Change showed me that I can help other people by doing what I love.  Being able to bring so many people together for one night of amazing music is incredible.  My experience in PFC will be one I will never forget!

Alana: Since you are taking over for PFC, what is in store in the future? How will you improve the concert?

Julia: Next year, I hope to be as successful as Michael has been in the past.  I am hoping to follow the same format and guidelines that he has used for the concert these past couple of years, however I hope to make PFC an even bigger event.  I want more people to know about this amazing concert, because the more people that know about it, the bigger difference it can make.  Our profit comes primarily from the amount of tickets we sell, so if more people know about it and come to the performance itself, we can raise more money for the PFC foundation.  I also hope to encourage full bands to come play at PFC.  The bigger bands seem to really get the crowd excited and moving, and they make for a much more exciting show!