On September 21st, the Greater Princeton & Far Beyond Branch of AYLUS (GPA) volunteers, who are primarily middle and high school students, gathered at Plainsboro Plaza (10 Schalks Crossing Rd, Plainsboro, NJ 08536), to put on its 2nd Open Air Concert for community, bringing talent, charisma, and joy to people.
During the concert, AYLUS invited over 30 members to put on a show, whether it be singing, dancing, or playing a musical instrument. During these performances, people have shown off their skills at the violin, cello, and even traditional Chinese instruments such as the Chinese zither. Not only is performing at these shows a great volunteering opportunity, but it’s also a chance for teens to showcase their musical ability to a wider audience.
However, the concerts are not simply the work of the performers; there is much more additional work that goes on behind the scenes. This is the job of the concert hosts: to do the organizational tasks to make sure that the event runs smoothly.
Weeks before the concert, GPA leader Zichen Ling (9/1, 1-4 pm, 3 hrs; 9/14, 2-5pm, 3 hrs) made arrangements with the Plainsboro Plaza, announcing to ask AYLUS members to sign up to perform and volunteer positions, designed and printed the posters, assembled the music, brought in music stands and speakers.
The spots filled up quickly. After they finalized the list, a program list of the concert was designed by GPA leader Xing Liao (9/14, 8-11am, 3 hrs) and printed so it can be handed out to the audience during the performance.
That’s the work of the hosts before the concert begins, but during the concert, the hosts were also responsible for introducing and welcoming every performer, opening and closing the entire concert, as well as cultivating a friendly and enjoyable environment.
Everyone’s hard work eventually paid off during the performance, where both the performers and hosts could watch the audience smile, clap, and experience the excitement of everyone’s musical talent.
GPA Performers & Volunteers (9/21, 1-4pm, 3 hrs for all): Zichen Ling (Organizer, Performer), Brayden Jiang (Host), Jacob Lin (Host), Andrew Chan (Children activities), Anson Tang (Children Activities), Xintong Si (Photo), Gloria Wang (Photo), Owen Lin (DJ), Jennie Han, Xiying Dang, Melanie You, Kathy Yang, Frank Zhang, Yalong Zhang, Kristine Wang, Henderson Han, Samantha Wang, Jiaying Huang, Isabelle Mao, Ella Chen, Jeffrey Jiang, Jeffrey Zhang, Eric Li, Frank Sun
