Four Questions with Angelica Durrell

Angelica

Q1: How are you following your passions while living in Connecticut?

My main passions are music and the arts, equity, and immigrant inclusion, so Intempo is truly a blend of what matters most to me. Our goal is to make music, culture, and instruments relevant, accessible, and inclusive.

Fairfield county may be wealthy, but there’s also a lot of need — and music education can be expensive if you can’t afford it.  That’s why we offer subsidized tuitions, full scholarships for youth who are underserved on the socioeconomic spectrum, and partner with national organizations to provide relevant curriculums that fill the void for school arts programs that have been cut.

Connecticut and specifically the Stamford area has also provided many ways to get involved. I often attend networking events downtown and serve as a commissioner in the Stamford Arts & Culture Commission.

Q2: How are you working to impact Connecticut?

As a social entrepreneur, I work to make music accessible through Intempo’s two models: Intempo Music School and through in-school programs. Both programs offer the opportunity to learn instruments such as guitar, percussion, and more, as well as participate in performances that celebrate their artistic achievements.

Intempo stands out from other music organizations because we do cultural education, which includes offerings like multilingual choirs. While other similar organizations are at a state level, we have a direct connection to underserved communities in the local area; eighty percent of our students come from Stamford and twenty percent from Norwalk.

Connecticut is a small state, but I think it’s an advantage. You get to make a difference and stand out.

Q3: How would you describe your life in Connecticut?

Connecticut gives me a great and balanced life. I love that we have four seasons and spend lots of time outside. In spring and summer you’ll find me kayaking in Long Island Sound or taking walks with my dog in local parks. My wife and I also enjoy the nightlife and restaurants in Fairfield county like Harbor Point and Los Portales Mexican restaurant, which is a real hidden gem in Norwalk.

Since I live five minutes from where I work, I often walk to work in warm weather. I’m so close I can even go home and walk my dog during lunch! And if I have meetings downtown I’ll swing by Lorca, which is a go-to coffee spot to hang out.

Q4: What drives you to make a difference in your state?

As an immigrant myself, I hold a personal connection to immigrant issues and underserved communities. In the future, I hope to expand Intempo’s programs into all Stamford public schools and create a larger footprint throughout Fairfield county, working with more disenfranchised immigrant communities. I want to make an important impact in educational equity.

See the action behind the passion here.

On social @intempo_org