JUAN SALINAS II
senior editor
juan.salinas465@my.tccd.edu

The NW Music Association was practically dead during the pandemic, but under new leadership, it has regained a beating heart. 

NW Music Association President Gillian Johannesen is a music major. Her term began during the pandemic. 

She was originally a mass communications major until the director of music Benson Lee noticed her passion for music during virtual classes. 

“She has been a vital part to the growth of the music program after we returned to campus,” Lee said. 

Lee appointed her to be the president of the club after getting to know her better. He believed she would be able to rebuild this club. 

“He told me that nothing was going on with it during the pandemic and ever before,” she said. “This year was going to be a rebuilding year to get back on our feet, to bring people into the program.” 

At the beginning of the fall semester, the Music Association only had two members, Johannesen and a faculty member. But now, up to 20 people actively participate in meetings and events. 

“That’s what really motivates me,” Johannesen said. “I’m just throwing my ideas out there and people are running with it.” 

She doesn’t take all the credit. She also praises all the members who have helped along the way. 

“We are spreading the influence of music overall,” NW Music Association Vice President Danny Herrera said. “We are pulling people who were always interested in music but didn’t know how to get involved in music.” 

The club’s popularity has also increased numbers in the NW music department orchestra and choir. 

“I like it a lot,” NW student Ronnie Cade said. “Everyone is very inclusive and inviting. There are so many talented musicians. It’s cool to see music bring so many people together.”

Cade said the Music Association has given him and others — including non-music majors — the opportunity to perform and just hang out and love music. 

 The club did a showcase at Avoca Coffee Roasters, their third event this year. Members of the club performed covers or original songs in front of a live audience. 

“Everyone did really great and was a solid performance,” NW student Logan Pockrus said. 

Edge Coffeehouse hosted the first one. The previous showcase had been a massive success for the club and the coffee shop that hosted them. According to the club, the first event had a full house, let the performers make connections, and the shop profited from it.

“Since that was our test run, we had another one for Valentine’s Day,” Johannesen said.“We theme it with breakup songs and love songs. It ended up going very well, even a bigger event [than the last] every time we do this. We have a couple of new people, so it’s exciting.” 

Next year, the music association’s primary goal is to host a talent show in the NW theater at the beginning of the fall semester. 

Herrera said they’re working with the SAGE Club to help with their Lavender Prom, and the Music Association will provide live entertainment. 

“We are very fond of the SAGE Club,” he said. “They come to our performances and support us.” 

The Music Association will address the logistics of the talent show during the summer, but they hope the SAGE Club will help promote the talent show and the running of the event. 

“We want to connect with others,” Johannesen said. “To join [the Music Association] you don’t have to know anything about music. It’s just to make friends and bond over music.”