I joined Local 802 after attending a Broadway panel and networking event at the union. I was very inspired by the panelists and the warmth and friendliness of the musicians who I met. It made me want to be a more integral part of the union community and led me to join. My goal is to play in pit orchestras on Broadway. My past experiences playing in shows elsewhere has been incredible, and I would love the opportunity to be part of the community here. My favorite recent performance was part of the concert series that I founded at Mount Sinai Hospital for patients, doctors and nurses. Being hospitalized is scary, and nothing makes people feel better than seeing and hearing a full orchestra comprised of New York’s finest musicians playing Mozart symphonies. I’m a versatile musician and perform regularly on both violin and viola. I studied at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and the Hochschule für Musik in Vienna. I play a variety of styles, including authentic Baroque performance practice, country fiddle, musical theatre, and everything in between. Music is important to me because I believe it is the most powerful force on Earth to make people feel emotions. I’ve seen firsthand how music can change someone’s outlook on life, and I feel so lucky to have the gift of music in my own life. Besides my work at Mount Sinai Concerts for Patients, I also perform chamber music and play often in various orchestras along the East Coast. — Nadir Aslam, nadiraslam74@gmail.com