"Where to begin?" 

That's the question SFCM student Zoe Yost ('26) asked herself when she thought of how a musician like herself could give back to her local community. "We seldom know how to help, especially with our niche skills. Creating this concert was our answer to that question," Yost said.

SFCM student Zoe Yost.

Yost, along with SFCM students Cesonia da Rosa and Hannah Schafer, organized the concert February 17 in SFCM's Bowes Center. Yost had heard of Compass Family Services through a recent concert at the San Francisco Symphony conducted by SFCM's Music Director Edwin Outwater. "The Symphony’s activism inspired me to create an SFCM-based benefit concert for Compass and spread awareness of the organization’s needed work," Yost added. Yost is currently a viola player working with Dimitri Murrath; she also studies composition with David Conte. 

"I think everyone should give and contribute to their community if they are able to, but especially musicians," Hannah Schafer said. Schafer is a violinist studying with Simon James. "Music by its very nature is communal. It is usually created, learned, and listened to by multiple people. Musicians have the power to use this shared language for good," she added.

Students performing during the concert.

First founded in 1914, Compass Family Services helps local families facing homelessness find secure stable housing and attain economic self-sufficiency and family well-being. More than 95 percent of the families who complete their housing programs achieve lasting success. Admission was free at the SFCM concert; guests were asked to bring donations of unopened non-perishable food, suitcases, and umbrellas, which were taken to the Compass's nearby facility. 

"We gathered a wonderful team of musicians for the event, all of whom were deeply dedicated to the cause and offered more than their fair share of music and time. One such was Pavle Cajic, who played three pieces on the program," Yost said. 

All the performers from the Compass benefit concert.

Organizers programmed the concert to be an eclectic one, featuring songs, instrumental duos, original compositions, and performances with electronics by a number of students and performers. Yost called it a "wonderful privilege" to collaborate on the project and "step outside of our competitive, career-focused fast lanes and come together to serve those who are the most helpless of all." Yost continued, "I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed their time, music, and donations to this very special concert, and am hopeful that the SFCM-Compass partnership which this project began may continue far into the future." 

Learn more about making a donation to Compass Family Services.