Meet Wendy Lanxner, Our Featured Volunteer from Washington, DC!
Get to know our volunteers!
Do you volunteer at a specific hospital? I volunteer at Children’s National
How long have you been volunteering with Musicians On Call? I have been a volunteer since February 2018
Are you a volunteer guide or musician? Musician
What is your favorite song to play for patients? It’s a toss up between The Wheels On The Bus and Shake It Off
Do you perform anywhere else besides with MOC? Yes – I’m Musician in Residence at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center and I play bass in a band called Wendy & The Lost Boys
What is your occupation outside of MOC? I am a music teacher
Do you have any hidden talents? Hmm… not sure. I like to bake cookies.
What is your story? What connects you with music and why do you volunteer with MOC? I love making a difference with music – music is healing. I love bringing lightness into patients’ lives, humanizing the hospital environment, and giving patients choices and a chance to connect and have a moment of fun.
What makes MOC different from your other volunteer experiences? Every time I volunteer with MOC I wish I could do it more! It is a privilege and always makes my day. It never feels like “work”! I guess that’s the difference.
Has your life changed because of your experience with Musicians On Call? Absolutely! Volunteering with Musicians on Call introduced me to the growing field of arts in medicine, and that is the direction I am following in my professional work!
What is your favorite #MOCmoment? I had a moment with a young patient who just wanted to keep dancing to “If You’re Happy and You Know It!” and another day I entered a room only to find a teen, a visiting friend and two ukes on the bed – so we had a jam session! Every day and every age group brings different musical adventures. The guides are all so wonderful at supporting the experience – I am filled with gratitude for their work!
