Meet Steven Hansen &Brian Weber, Our Featured Volunteers from Chicago!
Get to know our volunteers!
Do you volunteer at a specific hospital? Chicago Methodist, Lurie Children’s and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
How long have you been volunteering with Musicians On Call? Just under a year
Are you a Volunteer Guide or Volunteer Musician? Musician
What is your favorite song to play for patients? “Brown Eyed Girl”
Have you ever been part of an impromptu jam session with patients or family in a hospital room? “Yes we get sing-alongs quite often! Occasionally dancing as well. ”
Do you perform anywhere else besides with MOC? “Mostly on the internet for now. We plan to hit up some open mics once we finish writing our EP. ”
What is your occupation outside of MOC? “Steven is a Senior Account Manager for a tech company, and Brian is a Personal Banker.“
What is your story? What connects you with music and why do you volunteer with MOC? “I (Steven) found MOC when looking for music related non-profits for my other non-profit to make a donation to. I reached out to learn more about the program and everyone in my other non-profit was excited to support the cause. Once MOC opened the Chicago chapter we jumped at the chance to participate. We actually met each other through various mutual music friends 10 years ago. We work well together because Brian is great at coming up with unique sounding chords and progressions as well as great lyrics, and I like to contribute through rhythm, melodies and production. In life we’ll always experience change but being able to lean on music seems to remain constant. We’ve like being able to give the patients something to lean on too. ”
Has your life changed because of your experience with MOC? “I don’t think we anticipated dedicating as much rehearsal time as we have to our MOC repertoire as we have, but It’s been completely worth it! ”
What is your favorite #MOCmoment? “Recently we played for a patient and her daughter at Chicago Methodist Senior Services. They were excited to have us play and requested several songs. They knew and sang along with each of the songs we chose and through some tears, the daughter shared that it was the first time her mother had smiled in a week. We’re so glad we could help bring that out. “
