Pursue a Leadership Position
Eligibility & Fundraising Thresholds
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Positions: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer
Minimum Fundraising Requirement: $50
Term of Service: 1 school year (Sept–June)
Election / Appointment: Nominations: May; Elections: June; Terms begin: September
Notes: Can qualify by raising $50 individually or serving as Team Captain and leading a team to raise $50 collectively.
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Positions: Fundraising, Outreach/Concerts, Membership, Programs, Publicity, etc.
Minimum Fundraising Requirement: $25
Term of Service: 1 school year (Sept–June)
Election / Appointment: Appointed by club officers
Notes: Entry-level leadership. Students help with projects (e.g., concerts, bake sales, publicity).
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Positions: Chair of Fundraising, Chair of Outreach, Chair of Membership, etc.
Minimum Fundraising Requirement: $50
Term of Service: 1 school year (Sept–June)
Election / Appointment: Appointed by Club President/VP or elected within committee
Notes: Matches officer threshold, reflecting higher responsibility and leadership.
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Positions: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer
Minimum Fundraising Requirement:
President: $250; Vice President: $200; Secretary & Treasurer: $150
Term of Service: 1 academic year (July–June)
Election / Appointment: Nominations: May; Elections: June; Term begins: July 1
Notes: President represents all students nationwide; collaborates with VMA Board; Vice President supports President, oversees national committees; Secretary manages national communications; Treasurer manages finances.
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Positions: Fundraising, Outreach, Membership, Programs, Publicity, etc.
Minimum Fundraising Requirement: $100
Term of Service: 1 academic year (July–June)
Election / Appointment: Applications accepted year-round; appointed by national officers/VMA staff
Notes: Lower barrier for broader participation. Work on national campaigns and initiatives.
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Positions: Chair of Fundraising, Chair of Outreach, etc.
Minimum Fundraising Requirement: $150
Term of Service: 1 academic year (July–June)
Election / Appointment: Appointed by President/VP with staff approval
Notes: Threshold matches national secretary/treasurer; reflects higher leadership responsibility.
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Positions: 2 Senators / State
Minimum Fundraising Requirement: $250
Term of Service: 1 academic year (July–June)
Election / Appointment: Applications accepted year-round; appointed by national officers/VMA staff
Notes: Lower barrier for broader participation. Work on national campaigns and initiatives.
With the launch of our Student Government, Junior Program members will have the chance to serve as elected leaders of VMA, guiding outreach and fundraising efforts that will reshape the future of classical music service—empowering kids of all ages to lead with heart and purpose.
Discover what it means for you to give back and play forward.
Student Government (*2027-2028 Elections: May 2026)
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Danny Pylee
JUNIOR PROGRAM PRESIDENT
Massachusetts
Medway High School
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David Tagge
JUNIOR PROGRAM VICE-PRESIDENT
Massachusetts
Boston
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Felix Wang
VMA SENATOR
Massachusetts
Sharon High School
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Ronnie Wang
VMA SENATOR
California
Los Angeles
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Ishaan Kancharla
VMA SENATOR
North Carolina
Raleigh
A New Approach to Youth Leadership in Classical Music
The VMA Leadership Initiative is a first-of-its-kind pathway where classical music students become compassionate leaders through real outreach, guided workshops, and community fundraising. Unlike traditional programs, students may join at any time — attending workshops year-round, connecting with the Director and guest speakers, and growing at their own pace.
Through service-based awards and a parallel student government track, young musicians earn recognition not just for performing well, but for lifting others up. Families and friends may contribute to a student’s fundraising campaign to help meet the nominal nomination thresholds required to run for government positions — but every officer is chosen by a jury of peers during a formal election process. Each candidate will have a designated space on the ballot to describe their outreach contributions, fundraising efforts, and vision for leadership — so voters can make informed choices at the club, state, and national levels.
Families may participate through payment, fundraising, or a combination of both — so every student can find their place in the initiative.
As they grow, students discover that leadership isn’t something given or claimed — it’s earned through service.
⚖️ No Obligation — Just Opportunity
Families are not required to pay tuition or fundraise when they register. Early interest simply helps us understand who may be working toward the Bronze, Silver, or Gold Track during the year.
No student is ever obligated to pursue a medal or a government role. Participation in workshops and outreach concerts alone is valuable and meaningful — and every student is welcome to grow at their own pace.
We simply open the door. We hope that, in time, our members will rise to the challenge — and when they’re ready, the awards and leadership positions will be ready for them.