Profiles in Courage

Join the VMA and be part of a movement that brings music, leadership, and service to life.

JP High Office

  • Andrew Xue

    JP PRESIDENT

    Massachusetts

    Boston Latin School

  • Danny Pylee

    JP VICE-PRESIDENT

    Massachusetts

    Medway High School

  • Felix Wang

    STATE SENATOR

    Massachusetts

    Sharon High School

  • Ishaan Kancharla

    STATE SENATOR

    North Carolina

    Carnage Middle School

VMA College Interns

  • Silvio Dow

    FUNDRAISING INTERN

    Worcester State University

  • Julianna Stratton

    COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR INTERN

    College of the Holy Cross

  • Gavin Klein

    RECRUITMENT & DEVELOPMENT INTERN

    College of the Holy Cross

JP Regional Chapters

  • High School

    • Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford

  • Elementary School

    • Albert S. Woodward Memorial School, Southborough

    Middle School

    • The Park School, Brookline

    High School

    • Boston Latin School, Boston

    • Buckingham Brown & Nichols School, Cambridge

    • Newton North High School, Newton

    • Newton South High School, Newton

    • Medway High School, Medway

    • Concord Academy, Concord

    • Fessenden School, Newton

    • Sharon High School, Sharon

    • Mount Greylock Regional School, Williamstown

  • High School

    • Nashua High School, Nashua

  • Middle School

    • Carnage Middle School, Raleigh

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The VMA Difference

What sets the Volunteer Musicians for the Arts (VMA) apart from typical high school-run volunteer music groups is the depth, continuity, and mentorship embedded into every part of the experience. While many student-led ensembles do admirable work performing in underserved communities, they often lack the long-term vision, structure, and professional guidance that VMA provides. At the heart of our Leadership Initiative is personal advising from Director Jonathan Yasuda—a lifelong educator and public service advocate whose full-time work is devoted to helping students from elementary school through college grow as artists, leaders, and compassionate citizens. His one-on-one mentorship helps students build meaningful extracurricular résumés and navigate pivotal academic and personal milestones.

VMA’s credibility and sustainability are further reinforced by our status as a certifying organization with AmeriCorps and our educational partnership with Steinway & Sons, one of the most respected names in classical music. We are not driven by press coverage or short-term recognition; instead, our strength lies in sustained impact and strategic partnerships. We collaborate with music educators, state and federal agencies, and global educational organizations because we are invested in the long-term future and sustainability of our mission. Unlike many school-based groups—often founded by high school students whose focus may naturally shift over time—VMA offers families a stable, experienced, and mission-centered community. Our team connects with Junior Program members of all ages, recognizing their potential early and providing tailored support at every stage of their service journey. At VMA, music is not just a performance—it's a pathway to leadership, empathy, and lifelong service.