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, as well as rotating players, who have been studying music since early childhood and are enrolled or have graduated from 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. She also has served as Principal Viola with the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony, and teaches viola to beginners and intermediate students. Ella has earned a Diploma in Viola from the Santa Barbara Symphony's Music Education Program in partnership with Westmont College. She was the recipient of the "2026 Young Musician Leadership Award" from the Association of California Symphony Orchestras. Currently a senior in high school, where she is enrolled in a 4-year leadership academy and is part of the tennis team. Ella plans a career in public health. Hobbies: World travel, chess, paddleboarding, writing.
ADAM KABARETTI - violin one
Adam has been playing the violin since age 4. He also plays bass guitar, keyboard, and saxophone. Currently a high school junior, 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 several violin scholarship awards upon audition. He also won 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 earned a Diploma in Viola after 10 years of music studies with the Santa Barbara Symphony's Music Education Program in partnership with Westmont College. He has served as Principal Viola with the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony, and has earned numerous viola scholarship awards upon audition. In 2026 he graduated from Santa Barbara High School, where he was part of the Computer Science Academy and the varsity tennis team. He is now attending SBCC, and is also a life guard. Hobbies: Ultimate frisbee, gaming, camping, confusing others with his identical twin brother who plays the violin.
CATE BISHOP - violin two
Cate has played violin for 10+ years. She played in the violin section of the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony for several years, and she completed the advanced music program from "Santa Barbara Strings". While at Dos Pueblos High School, she was team captain of Varsity XC and Track. Cate is currently a freshman at Seattle University, where she is pursuing a Nursing degree. Hobbies: Running, reading a good book, cooking, baking.
SOLEI SEIFERT - cello
Solei has earned a Diploma in Cello after completing the Santa Barbara Symphony's Music Education Program in partnership with Westmont College. She served as Principal Cello with the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony. Her second instrument is the bass. While at Dos Pueblos High School she earned awards for "Outstanding Sophomore" and "Outstanding Junior" for her invaluable contribution of musicality, leadership, and character to the school's Instrumental Music Program. She received the Certificate of Achievement Honors from Junior Chamber Music of Santa Barbara for her dedication and musicianship. Currently a freshman at Cal Poly where she is majoring in Electrical Engineering. Hobbies: Carpentry, mountain biking, crochet.
JANE KIM - violin one
After playing violin for 12 years, Jane earned a Diploma in Violin from the Santa Barbara Symphony's Music Education Program in partnership with Westmont College. She has performed in masterclasses and served as the Concertmaster with the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony. Jane was the winner of the Santa Barbara Symphony's Annual Youth Concerto Competition in 2024. She will be majoring in Public Health at Brown University, where she is currently a freshman. 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.
MENTAL WELLNESS CENTER
is the only non-profit in 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. Seniors in memory-care facilities highly benefit from and connect with the live music performed for them.
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 performs in support of 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, Director of Education / violinist
Emily Gilman - Santa Barbara Symphony, Education & Community Engagement / 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