ArtistCorps Alumni Stories: Andy Licht

Andy Licht served in ArtistCorps during the 2016-2017 academic year. He continues to use his skills as an artist to bring music to children across the state.

What made you decide to serve in ArtistCorps?

When I moved down to Winston-Salem I thought the city had a lot of potential and joining ArtistCorps was a great way for me to connect music to the community and for me to feel like I was part of the overall community where I live.

What moment from your service stands out?

I got to help a few students who would come in during the morning when I was serving at Diggs-Latham. They were practicing every day and I was working with them. Seeing how much they improved was really awesome. I remember we played a recital at a place at Wake Forest, and seeing the students who had come and practiced every day perform was one of the best moments I witnessed.

How did service shape your perception of service or the communities you were serving?

I would say that through art, people can find goals and work together to create something. Sometimes we get bogged down as a community focusing on other things. Arts engagement helps add a little bit of something extra to the community.

What was your biggest takeaway from serving in ArtistCorps?

My biggest takeaway is similar in theme to what I said before about being part of a community. I feel I have a bit more purpose in playing a musical instrument because I know I’m connecting with people and helping others grow through music. Similar to before, being part of a community and feeling like music can serve a purpose to help others in a way that other things can’t.

Tell us a little about life since leaving ArtistCorps.

I taught music in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County schools in middle and high school. Since then, my wife and I have formed a duo, Duo Licht, and perform throughout the region. I continue to work with the Winston-Salem Symphony Play Music program that teaches young elementary students. This program takes place across a variety of elementary schools around the area, and it’s a great way to tie in different schools. I feel like through that program students are able to meet people they may not have ever met before from different schools and make new friends while learning an instrument.

What have you been up to?

I continue to perform with the Fayetteville Symphony and work with the Play program. And my wife and I are both teaching privately and maintain an active performance schedule at a variety of events and venues.