Meet Sharon Smotherman, Our Featured Volunteer from Murfreesboro!
Get to know our volunteers!
Do you volunteer at a specific hospital? I volunteer at the Murfreesboro VA
How long have you been volunteering with Musicians On Call? Going on 3 years
Are you a Volunteer Guide or Volunteer Musician? Guide
What is your occupation outside of MOC? Healthcare – Payer Contract Negotiator
What is your story? What connects you with music and why do you volunteer with MOC? I love music, and always have. I wish I could sing and play an instrument, but I don’t. I think music has a big impact on people’s feelings and moods. An upbeat song can put a pep in a step, or change a bad day into a good day. Some songs just get your toes tapping and feet stomping and people forget their woes. Other songs are so relatable you can feel yourself in the song. It has power and is a universal language.
What makes MOC different from your other volunteer experiences? I enjoy the one on one with the patients. I see the immediate impact that the music has on the individual, the spirits being lifted, the hands clapping, toes tapping, smile on their face. I enjoy interacting with the patients.
What is your favorite #MOCmoment? Every time the patients join in by singing, clapping or just smile and enjoy the music, I remember why I volunteer.