Meet Patricia Harden, the Youth Advocacy Council (YAC)’s 2022-2023 Youth Representative to the Project 440 Board of Directors! Patty has participated in all of Project 440’s programs and is currently in her second year of serving on YAC. She recently shared some of the exciting in-person events YAC has in store for this school year and how she has overcome many challenges to be the youth leader she is today.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? What do you like to do outside of Project 440?
I’m a violinist and senior at Commonwealth Charter Academy, a cyber public charter school. I like to write stories and articles (especially for my school’s newspaper), do digital art on MS Paint, and dabble in photography.
Q: How did you get involved with Project 440? What drew you to this organization?
I first got involved with Project 440 when I attended the 2019 College Fair back when I was a PMAY (Philadelphia Music Alliance for Youth) Artist, and participated in their workshops. After that, I attended Instruments for Success to start my college search since pursuing music and performing seriously was something I knew that I wanted to make a career out of. Since then, I have learned about college readiness, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills with Doing Good and the Youth Advocacy Council (YAC).
Patty with her mother Beverly and her newly donated violin in front of Settlement Music School. Also pictured, the family of Doris Loder, Dr. Najib Wong (PMAY), next to Patti, and Kate Lombard (Musicopia) far right.
Q: This is your second year participating in YAC. What are some learning points from last year? What do you hope to do differently?
One learning point from last year at YAC was how to think about past ideas in a newer mindset. Knowing how to properly brief others on topics and combine new compromises are some things I hope to improve in my second year at YAC.
Q: What do you look forward to the most this year with YAC?
I’m looking forward to having an in-person presence with YAC in the Philadelphia area, especially when collaborating on Night at the Orchestra, an event where YAC members invite other Philadelphia youth to a Philadelphia Orchestra concert. There’s a pre-concert meet and greet with guest artists and Philadelphia Orchestra musicians who sometimes participate in a discussion with YAC members. I feel that YAC is at its best when it brings older or “forgotten” ideas and develops them into newer creations, such as reinvigorating the Nights at the Orchestra with Music in Color themes of discussion.
Q: Where do you find your motivation and drive to do all that you do? Do you have any words of wisdom to share with other youth who may be looking for direction or purpose in their life?
Patty performing at the Primavera Fund concert at Rag & Bone on Walnut Street in Center City Philadelphia
Mostly from motivation, commitment, and determination in my life: I was diagnosed with autism at around one or two years old and was tested to reveal speech, walking, and learning disabilities. In fact, I couldn’t talk until I was 4 and had to be in a stroller until I was 5. I was scared of talking to people, and my brain grew slower than others. With the crying at that point, music was the only thing to calm me down. I was the only person in the family to not only be autistic, but also take music to a serious level of my own volition.
Now, as a senior, I’m in the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, as well as being a part of many other chamber ensembles. I am studying under many teachers and have many great professional mentors. On top of that, I’m a youth board representative for Project 440.
All in all, my words of wisdom to other youth looking for direction or life purpose: Define your own definition of “normal”. As you can see, my life story is anything but, but those who know me now see me as another fellow student musician. Just being yourself more than makes the difference.
All City Orchestra Summer Academy student interview featuring Patty.