ABOUT US

Mindful Strings was founded in 2023 as a nonprofit initiative by Ella McGowan. It is composed of 5 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

Founding Director 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 serves as principal viola with the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony, and teaches viola to beginners and intermediate students. Hobbies: Travel, Chess

ADAM KABARETTI - violin one

Adam has been playing the violin since he was 4. He also plays bass guitar, piano, and saxophone. Currently a high school sophomore, he also is an avid golfer who competes internationally. He is a violinist with the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony and has earned violin scholarship awards upon auditions. Adam is a natural leader and a people's person. Hobbies: Travel, languages

SIMON RENCHER - viola

Adam has been playing the viola since the 2nd grade, Currently a senior in high school, where he is part of the Computer Science Academy. He has served as Principal Viola with the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony and and has earned viola scholarship awards upon auditions. Hobbies: Art, camping, tennis, and confusing others with his identical twin brother who plays the violin.

CATE BISHOP - violin two

Cate has been playing the violin for 9 years. Currently a high school senior, she is also enrolled in the Santa Barbara Strings music program. She played in the violin section of the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony for several years. Hobbies: Running marathons

SOLEI SEIFERT - cello

Solei has been playing the cello for 8 years and the bass for 4 years. Currently a high school senior, she plans on majoring in electrical engineering in College. She is the principal cello with the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony. She is also 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 the "Charger Instrumental Music Program". She has also been awarded a Certificate of Achievement Honors from Junior Chamber Music of Santa Barbara for dedication, musicality, and musicianship. Hobbies: Carpentry, mountain biking, and crochet.

sustained involvement

RIDLEY-TREE CANCER CENTER

Mindful Strings performs uplifting tunes for oncology patients during their radiation / chemo treatments and procedures,

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, 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

Hire us to support our mission?

Our ensemble is also available for hire at a friendly fee to perform at special events like weddings or other.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR MENTORS

Marie Hebert

Santa Barbara Symphony, programs manager / violinist

Santa Barbara Symphony, community outreach / violist

Emily Gilman

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