[ot-caption title=”One of the student co-chairs, Noa Weiner, performing at Playing for Change. (via Brittany Shore, senior)”]

This homecoming week, Type One sat down with Juliette Pozzuoli and Noa Weiner, the two student co-chairs of the charity event Playing For Change. This popular event run by students, with performances by students, always draws a large crowd. This year’s event featured covers of popular songs such as “Stay” by Rihanna and “Cold Water” by Justin Bieber, in addition to some original songs. The night ended with a fantastic performance of “I Want You Back” with Pozzuoli on the piano and Weiner singing, with the rest of the performers joining them for a dance party onstage. [spacer height=”10px” id=”2″]

T1: For people who don’t know much about Playing For Change, what would you like them to know?[spacer height=”20px”]

Juliette:  Playing For Change is a bi-annual charity concert run by students.  It’s unique compared to other Pine Crest Fine Arts productions because it is all contemporary “pop” music, so it’s a lot of fun for the audience.[spacer height=”20px”]

Noa: Every year, students create amazing covers of well known songs, but add their own twists to it. It’s always a super high energy, entertaining performance.[spacer height=”20px”]

T1: How did you first get involved with Playing for Change?[spacer height=”20px”]

Juliette:  I remember my freshmen and sophomore years watching the concert and absolutely loving it.  It was extremely impressive and because of that I didn’t want to just watch it, but also be a part of it.  I don’t personally have an amazing singing voice, so I actively tried to get involved through accompanying people on the piano.[spacer height=”20px”]

Noa: My freshman year I didn’t even know about it until homecoming. After seeing both performances during homecoming and in the spring, I knew I just had to get involved. My sophomore year, I auditioned and ended up performing a ballad version of “Titanium” by Sia. I’ll never forget my first performance. The crowd was incredible. Since then, I look forward to Playing for Change each year.[spacer height=”20px”]

T1: What inspired you to further your involvement with Playing for Change?[spacer height=”20px”]

Noa: When I became a part of the Playing For Change family my sophomore year, I definitely looked up to Sarah Gale and Elizabeth Pozzuoli [two senior co-chairs at that time] and really admired all that they did for the performance. They were both so dedicated, and I wanted to continue their legacy when I was planning this year’s performance.[spacer height=”20px”]

T1: Where does the money raised by Playing for Change go to?[spacer height=”20px”]

Juliette: All of the proceeds go to Funding Arts Broward. This is an organization that helps fund Fine Arts programs in struggling schools around Broward County that cannot support their own programs.  Funding Arts Broward has been the charity of choice since the conception of Playing for Change over 5 years ago.[spacer height=”20px”]

T1: What is the goal of Playing For Change? [spacer height=”20px”]

Noa:  The main goal of Playing For Change is for students to come together and make music! [spacer height=”20px”]

T1: Do you think Playing for Change makes an impact on the community? Have you seen results with the donations? [spacer height=”20px”]

Juliette: Yes! Last year we raised over $1500, and that money was used to buy instruments to support orchestras in struggling public schools around Broward County. [spacer height=”20px”]

T1: Is there a better turnout for Playing for Change during homecoming week versus “Feb Fest”? [spacer height=”20px”]

Juliette: We traditionally see a bigger turnout during homecoming week, but the “Feb Fest” concert is also very popular. [spacer height=”20px”]

T1: What is your favorite part about Playing for Change? Why? [spacer height=”20px”]

Juliette:  I love being able to work with all the talented students here at PC. [spacer height=”20px”]

Noa: My favorite part of Playing For Change is the concert itself because it’s the first time we get to see everyone’s pieces as a whole. [spacer height=”20px”]

T1: What do you hope to accomplish with each Playing for Change concert? [spacer height=”20px”]

Juliette: We want to provide an fun and enjoyable evening for the audience while raising money for charity. [spacer height=”20px”]

Noa: Playing For Change is a great way to raise money for an amazing cause through one of my favorite art forms: music. Each year we surpass our numbers in money raised from previous years, and I hope this trend continues in years to come. [spacer height=”20px”]

T1: Why do you think it’s important to have events like this one? [spacer height=”20px”]

Juliette: Playing For Change provides the gives students the opportunity to perform in a nontraditional setting.  Some students may not be classically trained, and Playing For Change allows them to shine in a more contemporary setting than chorus or orchestra concerts. [spacer height=”20px”]

Noa: Playing For Change is important because many people don’t know how much talent the student body really has. I’m always blown away by the incredible performances each year, and it really gives the students a new appreciation for their peers. [spacer height=”20px”]

Type One looks forward to the “Feb Fest” Playing For Change performances.