Meet Liz Moriondo, Our Featured Volunteer from Springfield!
Get to know our volunteers!
Do you volunteer at a specific hospital? I volunteer at Cox Health South.
How long have you been volunteering with Musicians On Call? I have been volunteering for four and a half years.
Are you a volunteer guide or musician? Musician
What is your favorite song to play for patients? An original song called “To Know You”
Have you ever been part of an impromptu jam session with patients or family in a hospital room? Yes, it’s the best when everyone starts singing with me!
Do you perform anywhere else besides with MOC? Yes, I have a band and perform all over the U.S!
What is your occupation outside of MOC? Touring artist and songwriter.
Do you have any hidden talents? I played college basketball!
What is your story? What connects you with music and why do you volunteer with MOC? I grew up singing in front of audiences at the age of 3. My Grammy and my Mom were my teachers. When I was little, we would shut off the radio and sing Gospel songs in three-part harmony. That’s really how I learned to sing. I’ve always been moved by music and love to watch music transform and move others. When my Grammy and Papa got sick I would bring my guitar and play for them and it was like the pain and suffering was lifted for those 2-3 minutes. I so wished my home state had a program like MOC to offer to patients and their families and I made it my mission to bring the program to Missouri. Music is the universal language. It touches a place that can only be felt, and being the deliverer of such a gift is an honor and a privilege.
What makes MOC different from your other volunteer experiences? MOC is the most intimate environment of all my volunteer experiences. It’s great to volunteer in many different ways, but there is something extra special about locking eyes with one patient and giving them everything you have for those few minutes. It’s powerful beyond words.
Has your life changed because of your experience with Musicians On Call? Volunteering is an unselfish act, but it is not a selfless act because I ALWAYS gain something personally from every program with MOC. “For it is in giving that we receive.” ~St. Francis of Assisi
What is your favorite #MOCmoment? There are so many it’s hard to choose just one! However, I did have a very special moment just a few weeks ago when I had the chance to perform for a deaf patient. As my guide and I were approaching the room, a couple of nurses informed us that their patient probably wouldn’t want music because she couldn’t hear. My guide and I decided to ask anyways. Best decision ever! She was ecstatic that I was performing for her. She clapped her hands a sang along despite her inability to hear the music. She FELT the music. That’s the healing power of music and the healing power of MOC. It touches the heart.
