Supporting local nonprofit organizations dedicated to mental health.
WHY WE DO IT: High School is not just about academics and fun but it is also about learning to give back. 1 in 5 people in the US suffers from a mental illness. Music Therapy is a thing, after all. Since 1978 it has been used to activate areas of the brain involved with memory, emotions, and cognitive functions. It has proven especially helpful to ease the stress and pain of elderly and critically ill patients. Plenty of scientific research shows that classical music can improve the mental and emotional health of humans of all ages in a myriad of ways. We believe music can change the world because it can change people.
ABOUT US
Mindful Strings was founded in 2023 as a nonprofit initiative by Ella McGowan. It is composed of 5 permanent string players, who have been studying music since early childhood and are currently finishing their 10-year music tuition with the Santa Barbara Symphony Education Program in partnership with Westmont College — the region’s only program tied to a professional symphony.
Our mission: To boost mental wellness in local communities who are facing hardship, while fostering a spirit of giving back in talented young musicians, one live performance at a time.
lead musicians
ELLA MCGOWAN - viola
Founder of Mindful Strings
Ella has studied music since age 5, starting with piano and voice under Grammy-nominee Erin McKibben, followed by violin and viola with instructors Dr. Jordan Warmath, Dr. J. Moerschel, Cameron Audras, and Dr. Zachary Hamilton. She's had the privilege of performing alongside professional musicians such as the Santa Barbara Chamber Players and the Grammy-winning trio Time for Three, participating in masterclasses with the London Symphony Orchestra and renowned violas Karen Dreyfus and Cynthia Phelps, and playing in concerts with the Westmont College Orchestra & Choir. Currently a junior in high school, where she is enrolled in a 4-year leadership academy and is part of the tennis team. She has also served as Principal Viola with the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony, and teaches viola to beginners and intermediate students. Ella plans a career in public health. Hobbies: World travel, chess, paddleboarding.
ADAM KABARETTI - violin one
Adam has been playing the violin since he was 4. He also plays bass guitar, keyboard, and saxophone. Currently a high school sophomore, he also is an avid golfer who plays in national and international tournaments. He has been a violinist with the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony and has earned violin scholarship awards upon auditions, as well as one of three solo awards for jazz guitar in the 2026 New Orleans Heritage Festival. Hobbies: World travel, foreign languages, cooking, flying drones.
SIMON RENCHER - viola
Simon has been playing the viola since 2nd grade. Currently a high school senior, he is part of his school's Computer Science Academy and tennis team. He is also a life guard. Simon serves as Principal Viola with the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony and has earned viola scholarship awards upon auditions. Hobbies: Ultimate frisbee, gaming, camping, confusing others with his identical twin brother who plays the violin.
CATE BISHOP - violin two
Cate has been playing the violin for 10 years. Currently a high school senior, where she is team captain of Varsity XC and Track. She is also enrolled in the Santa Barbara Strings music program, and she played in the violin section of the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony for several years. Cate will be going to Seattle University for a Nursing degree. Hobbies: Running, reading a good book, cooking, baking.
SOLEI SEIFERT - cello
Solei has been playing the cello for 8 years and the bass for 4 years. Currently a high school senior, she will be majoring in electrical engineering at Cal Poly. She serves as Principal Cello with the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony. As part of her school's Orchestra, Pit Orchestra, Marching Band, and Choir programs, she earned awards for "Outstanding Sophomore" and "Outstanding Junior" for her invaluable contribution of musicality, leadership, and character to their Instrumental Music Program. She received the Certificate of Achievement Honors from Junior Chamber Music of Santa Barbara for dedication, musicality, and musicianship. Hobbies: Carpentry, mountain biking, crochet.
JANE KIM - violin one
Jane has played violin for 12 years and is currently a senior in high school. She has performed in masterclasses and has served as Concertmaster with the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony. Jane was the winner of the Santa Barbara Symphony's 2024 annual Youth Concerto Competition. She will be majoring in Public Health at Brown University. Hobbies: Robotics, writing.
sustained community involvement
CANCER FOUNDATION OF SANTA BARBARA
Mindful Strings performs uplifting tunes for oncology patients during their radiation / chemo treatments and procedures at the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center.
MENTAL WELLNESS CENTER
is the only non-profit in South Santa Barbara County offering adults and families free mental health services for as long as necessary. Offers critical work since 1947: mental health education for youth at risk, essential community services for adults and families, and safe, affordable housing for individuals living with mental illness.
VISTAS ADULT LEARNING
Founded in 1999, "Vistas Adult Learning" is a nonprofit that brings seniors together to defeat isolation and dementia through continuous learning and intellectual stimulation.
ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION
Providing caregiving services since 1980. Leading the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia.
We can’t underestimate the power we have as individuals to provide the support that people need to transition from a place of pain to a place of possibility.
Dr. Vivek Murthy
U.S. Surgeon General
LIGHT UP A LIFE
Hosted by Hospice of Santa Barbara (1974), the 2nd oldest hospice organization in the US, which provides free services to people for as long as they need it. Light Up a Life is a space and moment to honor our lost loved ones and reflect on how grief doesn’t need to be an isolating experience.
Testimonials
Santa Barbara County Health
The County of Santa Barbara Health Department (1926) is 100 years old. Mindful Strings supports the hard work of a large dedicated team of public health professionals from neighborhood clinics and other health programs assisting the underserved community of children and families.
FAMILY SERVICE AGENCY (FSA)
Since 1899 FSA has provided essential mental health services, youth and family support, and senior care to individuals of all backgrounds across Santa Barbara County. Last year alone FSA served over 19,000 individuals and families, from ages 0 to 109.
Hire us to support our mission?
Our ensemble is also available for hire at a friendly fee to perform at special events like weddings, fundraisers, or other.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR MENTORS
Marie Hebert - Santa Barbara Symphony, programs manager / violinist
Emily Gilman - Santa Barbara Symphony, community outreach / violist
Maestro Nir Kabaretti - Santa Barbara Symphony, conductor & artistic director
Dr. Daniel Gee - Santa Barbara Youth Symphony, conductor / Westmont College Faculty
Cameron Audras - violist / Westmont College Faculty
Dr. Zachary Hamilton - violinist, violist, recording artist
Dr. Britta Thomas - cellist
Erik Nielsen - AAPLE Academy, founding director
MINDFUL STRINGS
1330 State St. #102
Santa Barbara, CA
USA
CONTACT US
SOCIALS
ella@mindfulstrings.org