Washington University students have abundant opportunities to serve the Saint Louis community, from philanthropy and advocacy to education and volunteerism. One creative way students are getting involved is the Bach to Rock program through the Wash. U. student organization Beat Therapy. Students in this program play music for patients at Shriners Hospital for Children and St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

Beat Therapy vice president junior David Chong is heavily involved with Bach to Rock.

“We just play music and have a good time with them, and we try to have them participate as well. We have other instruments there, bells and tambourines and these kinds of things,” Chong said. “If children have requests, we ask them what kind of songs they like. Surprisingly, a lot of children like country!”

Bach to Rock aims to create an environment that is both enriching and engaging.

“We try to encourage the children to sing. Some of them are pretty shy,” Chong said. “It’s super cool [to see] the shy ones, the ones who initially look like they don’t want to be there, and then by the end of the hour [see them] happily singing along. [Shriners] is a pretty specialized hospital, and there are several patients with specific rare diseases. We see them on a long-term basis more—weekly—so, that is more intimate.”

Chong noted that Bach to Rock is a good service opportunity for students interested in pursuing a career in medicine.

“It’s a great way to volunteer in a clinical setting and still do something you really like,” Chong said.

Beat Therapy, the organization which encompasses Bach to Rock, is comprised of a diverse collection of nine programs, which range from teaching elementary school students about music to performing in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Not all Beat Therapy programs take place in hospitals though.

“There are several other ones, like CRASH, which is percussion and drums and any kind of material they have, things like buckets…There’s also Easter Seals, which works with the autism services, and there are other [groups] that go to elderly centers and rehabilitation centers, juvenile detention centers, and others.”

Interested students are always encouraged to join, regardless of musical knowledge or lack thereof.

“Even though our official dates for joining [groups] have passed, if people reach out and it seems like they have interest, and if their schedule aligns with one of the program’s schedule, then definitely reach out and volunteer,” Chong said. “It’s not necessary to have music knowledge, it’s more about creating a community through music. And just devoting time and love.”