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Volunteer Focus: Lending Business Expertise to the Band

This National Volunteer Month, we’re bringing a few of our melindavolunteers to you. Meet Melinda Gregory who volunteers her time with the First State Symphonic Band, serving as a volunteer musician and applying here business expertise to guide the band’s Board of Directors.

Q: Melinda, first tell us a little bit about what you do for Delmarva Power?

A: I am a senior analyst with Exelon Audit Services based out of Newark, Del. I help maintain a strong and efficient control environment that ensures we are delivering on our commitment to provide safe, reliable, and affordable service for our customers. I’ve worked for Delmarva Power and Exelon for more than 12 years.

Q: Where do you volunteer your time in the community?

A: I am a volunteer musician with the First State Symphonic Band. We are one of the oldest volunteer concert bands in Delaware. Actually, this year we are celebrating our 40th year! We play public and charitable concerts to entertain and bring educational music experiences to communities across Delaware, mostly at public parks, retirement homes, and churches.

Q: What instrument do you play?

A: I have played clarinet in the band since 2009. In the past, I’ve also played with the Newark Community Band, the Dover High School Senator Alumni Marching Band, the Silver Keys Clarinet Quartet, and a Jewish Folk band.

Q: I understand you also do more than just play in the First State Symphonic Band, correct?

A: Correct. I’m also the president of the Board of Directors for the band, so I’m responsible for business and operations, fundraising, and leading the board in business strategy and decision making. I also maintain relationships with our concert venues to help maintain a full calendar and good publicity.

Q: That’s quite a bit of work! What led you to take on a greater role over the past decade?

A: I joined the band to learn, contribute to the group, and to challenge myself. Music is a skill and hobby that lets me escape, explore, and experience. It’s a way to express myself as an individual and also contribute and connect with others. Bringing my business knowledge to the band is another way I can give back to an organization that has provided me with a great musical outlet over the years.  

To learn more about the First State Symphonic Band, book the band, or join the band (they are especially looking for percussionists and trombonists right now), visit firststatesymphonicband.com.

In 2018, Delmarva Power employees volunteered nearly 16,000 hours to help about 460 unique organizations throughout Delaware and Maryland. That’s equal to volunteering 2,000 work days. These contributions are part of our continued commitment to powering communities and being a good corporate citizen for the areas where we live and work.