Inspiring Teens
  • Home
    • Teams
  • Nominate
  • Scholarships
  • Featured
  • Magazines
    • 2023 Issues >
      • Issue 64
      • Issue 63
    • 2022 Issues >
      • Issue 62
      • Issue 61
      • Issue 60
      • Issue 59
      • Issue 58
      • Issue 57
      • Issue 56
      • Issue 55
      • Issue 54
      • Issue 53
      • Issue 52
      • Issue 51
  • Essays

Ruby Tilghman

6/11/2020

 
Picture

Ruby Tilghman - Florida
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Nancy Tilghman
Photography by Matt Boyd Photography
Issue 34 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
​

​The nomination: Ruby Tilghman, is a girl boss, founding her own nonprofit, Many Mini Musicians at 12 years old. She has a passion for Fine Arts and uses youth concerts to raise money for Fine Arts funding in Public Schools. Ruby has recently written a children’s book entitled “Ruby’s Recital.” This book serves to tell a portion of Ruby’s story of continuing to search until you find your passion, to highlight the impact that a teacher can have on a student’s life and most importantly to open the line of communication about the importance of fine arts programs in schools. Ruby has had the opportunity to advocate for increased Fine Arts funding at the state capitol, host fundraising concerts that feature young performers, and meet educators who are working hard to make sure that every student has access to Arts education!
Picture
Photography by Nancy Tilghman

​Tell me about the nonprofit organization you started, and what it’s about?
Many Mini Musicians is the nonprofit organization that I started at twelve years old as a result of a civics project! I was asked to identify a need in my community and address it, so the need that I identified is the need for music in the life of students. I began hosting caroling nights and karaoke parties for kids in my community to spark their interest in the Arts, but once the project was over, I knew that I wanted to do more. I started to shift my focus to fundraising for public school music programs because that is where I initially found my passion for music and I knew that this was the best way to impact children in my community. Many Mini Musicians’ mission is now to fund Fine Arts in public schools and create opportunities for students to experience the Arts. In the last 3 years, we have raised over twelve thousand dollars for Fine Arts Programs in public school through fundraising concerts that feature young performers.

What inspired your passion for Fine Arts and in what ways have you raised money for funding in public schools?
Music is now a very important part of my life, but it took me a while to discover my passion for music. My elementary school music teacher, Mrs. Delmar, was one of the first people to encourage me to pursue my interest in music, and she is the reason I found my passion so early in life. Because of her impact in my life, it was clear to me just how important music programs are in our schools. Through Many Mini Musicians, I wanted to be able to support music programs that inspire students like me every day, so I started hosting fundraising concerts that benefit public school music programs. Our biggest concerts of the year are the Hello Summer Concerts which features young performers! At the end of our fundraising season each year, Many Mini Musicians awards grants to music programs in need.

Picture
Photography by Nancy Tilghman

​How have you had opportunities to start other organizations like the Youth Community Arts Alliance in different communities to expand fine arts?
Many Mini Musicians’ regional impacts on fine arts programs have been incredible but I started the Youth Community Arts Alliance because I wanted to empower other student artists to create their own Community Arts Project or Initiative. The Youth Community Arts Alliance provides resources and opportunities for student artists to impact their communities through the Arts in the form or service projects. My hope is that this will help them overcome obstacles they may face in building their project and provide a network of like-minded students to connect with. By involving students from all over the nation, we can continue to share the message of the importance of Fine Arts in our communities.

What do you love most about organizing and marketing youth events and concerts?
The thing I love most about organizing these events is the people I am able to meet and network with! By contacting young musicians about performing in our shows or asking local leaders to be a part of our event, I’m able to make some really incredible connections and friends. Some of the musicians that perform in Hello Summer and our other concerts are people that I perform with on a regular basis now, and I know that those connections wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for Many Mini Musicians and these concerts!
Picture
Photography by Nancy Tilghman

​In what ways could you inspire others to find their passion in life, and how are you able to impact others through your story and all that you’re involved in?

I hope that by sharing a little of my story in my book, “Ruby’s Recital” people will see that my path hasn’t been straight. I tried every activity, extra-curricular and instrument before I found what I was passionate about and that ultimately lead to me founding my non-profit, Many Mini Musicians. I want to inspire others to keep searching until they find their passion. Find the thing that makes you want to put in the extra work, the thing that you want to share with the world. Everyone is gifted with a talent and a passion it may just take some perseverance for you to find it!

What is your book “Ruby’s Recital” about, and how it has highlighted your journey and passions in life?
Ruby’s Recital is about a young girl named Ruby who wants to perform in her school’s talent show but doesn’t know which instrument to play. Ruby tries every instrument until he finds the one that is “Just right!” This is a story about perseverance and finding your passion. As a kid, I tried everything. I played soccer and softball, I did gymnastics and dance, but I didn’t find what I loved until I started playing piano. Through this book, I wanted to share the message of the importance of finding what you love, even if you have to try everything!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
I would tell them not to be afraid to take a chance. It’s true that you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take! You don’t know how far you can go or what you can accomplish unless you take a chance on yourself!

Picture
Photography by Nancy Tilghman
Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
In 5 years I will be finishing up my undergraduate degree and preparing for a career in the medical field. My hope is that I can continue to grow Many Mini Musicians and that we can have an impact on Fine Arts funding in public schools at the national level.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I love to play piano! It has been a part of my life since I was in the 3rd grade. My piano is my place of escape and rest!

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I’m actually fluent in American Sign Language. I was blessed with the opportunity to take American Sign Language as my foreign language credit at my high school and I’ve continued to use it.

3 Things on your bucket list
I want to secure a national partnership for Many Mini Musicians.
I want to be able to provide a copy of my book to every Elementary School music teacher in the state of Florida.
I would love to one day compete for the title of Miss America.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
 I’ve recently become a Brand Ambassador for Advanced Recovery Systems. I am very excited about partnering with them for Real Talk, which is a comprehensive, educational program designed for high school and college students that discusses the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. This is an important message because there is value in having a hobby like music or a passion that gives you a reason to continue to be the best version of yourself and make healthy choices for your body.

Ruby will be featured in issue 34 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 34
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
click here for more information on Many Mini Musicians
Nancy link
6/12/2020 07:43:02 am

If you’d like to know more about Many Mini Musicians go to www.manyminimusicians.com


Comments are closed.

    Featured

    Submitted by our members  as well as teens across the world.

    ​Many were published in Inspiring Teens Magazine or iTi STYLE Magazine.

    Archives

    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015

    Categories

    All
    4H
    4 H
    4-H
    Abandoned
    Abbey Burnett
    Abby Cannella
    Abby Roby
    Abigail Doran
    Abigail Fickel
    Academics
    Acting
    Actor
    Actress
    Adoption
    Advocate
    Aidan Mendoza
    Alabama
    Alaina Caswell
    Alan Ortega Lopez I
    Alaska
    Alethea Harnish
    Alexa Fucello
    Alexandria Poe
    Alexis Candelaria
    Alexis Filmer
    Alexis-salmons
    Alicia-beyer
    Alicia Crosson
    Alicia Crosson Photography
    Alijohnsonphotography
    Ali Johnson Photography
    Ali Zimmerman
    Allie Maternowski
    Allison Moreau
    Allstars
    Ally-wickware
    Alyssa-chappell-photography
    Alyssa Mann
    Amanda-cantrell-photography-llc
    Amanda Reed
    Amanda Wisner
    Ambassador
    Ambassador-program
    Amelia McGovern
    Amy-taylor-a-taylored-image
    Andyphillips
    Angela Santalo
    Angie Read Photography
    Animals
    Aniya-wolfe
    Anna-bowlen
    Anna Goldfogle
    Anorexia
    Antonio-de-jesus
    Anxiety
    Apps
    April Mendoza Photography
    Arizona
    Arkansa
    Arkansas
    Art
    Artist
    Art-student
    Ashley-rivera
    Ashlynn Prince
    Athelte
    Athleste-screen-plays
    Athlete
    Austin Taylor
    Author
    Ava-soloff
    Bailey & B Photography - Shawna Munger
    Baker
    Ballet
    Band
    Baseball
    Basketball
    Beach
    Belmar-beach
    Bermuda
    Best Buddies
    Beta-club
    Betty-alvarez-of-vintage-couture-photography
    Bipolar
    Book Review
    Books
    Bowling
    Boy Scout
    Brain Injury
    Brianna Guerra
    Brianna-logsdon
    Brianna Salang
    Briley Carter
    Broadway
    Brooklyn-campbell
    Brooklyn-mann
    Brooklynn Hudgins
    Brookscoetzee
    Brylee-briggs
    Brynn-casey
    Bucks-county
    Byron-nelson-varsity-cheer-team
    Cade-williams
    Caitlin-cowell
    California
    Canada
    Carla-bucala-photography
    Carlee-smith
    Carloline-gavin
    Carly-dangelo
    Carolinealegado
    Caroline Alegado
    Carolynfarmer
    Carolyn-griffin-photography
    Carrieeigbrettphotography
    Casa
    Cassidyermigotti
    Catherine-cella-of-joyful-reflections-photography
    Catherine Marie Photography
    Cbsd
    Cb-south
    Cb-west
    Cello
    Central Bucks
    Central-bucks-school-district
    Central-bucks-south
    Central-bucks-west
    Chailie Alsaffar
    Chapel Hill
    Cheeleader
    Cheer
    Cheerleader
    Cheerleaders
    Cheerleading
    Chele Jones Photography
    Chloe Malone
    Choachella Valley Missionary Program
    Choir
    Civic Scholar
    Claire-chelius
    Claire Plath
    Clarissa Castro
    Class-president
    Cloud-nine-studios-photography
    Coding
    College
    Colorado
    Computers
    Connecticut
    Connie Etter Photography
    Council-rock
    Council-rock-north
    Council-rock-south
    Cross Country
    Cynthia-schoettker-photography
    Cyrena-spafford
    Dance
    Dancer
    Dancer Business
    Danielle Lavis Photography
    Daniel Simmons Photography
    Dash
    David Beckham Photography
    David-hamrick-photography
    Dawson Holder
    Debbie-gray
    DECA
    Deke-burrell
    Delila-matara
    Denmark
    Dennielle-stull-of-solid-rock-photos
    Design
    Design-460
    Designer
    Destination-photo-shoot
    Diamond-farmer
    Diella-valla
    Dirtbikes
    Disney
    Diving
    Diy
    ​DJ King
    Dogs
    Drawing
    Drill Team
    Drug Free
    Drummer
    Dwightallenphotography
    Dylan-abell
    Eagle Project
    Eagles-cheerleaders
    Editor
    Ehlers Danlos Syndrom
    EJ Workman
    Eliza-hamilton
    Ellie-kuhnle
    Ellie Stump
    Emilycunningham
    Emily Williams
    Emma-clopton
    Emma-dickinson
    Emma-doughty
    Emma-engle
    Engineer
    Entertainment
    Entrepreneuer
    Entrepreneur
    Entreprenuer
    Environment
    Epcot
    Equestrian
    Erin-pellet
    Ethan Brown
    Ethanspencer
    Eva-martinez
    Evanodonnell
    Eve Taverne Photography
    Exchange Student
    Exhange Student
    Faith-jacbos
    Families
    Family
    Fashion
    Fashion Designer
    Fashionista
    Fashion-week
    FBLA
    Feature-twirler
    Female Athlere
    Female Athlete
    FFA
    Field-hockey
    Firefighter
    Fireman
    Florida
    Food
    Football
    Foreign Exchange Student
    Foster Care
    Founders-classical-academy
    France
    Francescas
    Freshman
    Frisbee
    Gaby Esquivel
    Gail Cameron Photography
    Gavinsmith
    Gender-gap
    Gen-z-stats
    Georgia
    Georgia-liagridonis
    Getting-into-college
    Ghoststory
    Ghost-story
    Giavonna-sabatini
    Gigi Dooley
    Girls-club
    Glee Club
    Goat-yoga
    Golf
    Golfer
    Grace-kelly
    Grace-mahony
    Graciano-photography
    Grafitti-highway
    Grant Eubanks
    Green-briar-photography
    Guitar
    Guitarist
    Gun-control
    Gymnast
    Gymnastics
    Hair Care
    Hannah Bohm
    Hannah Herrera
    Hannah-nathanson
    Harvard
    Haunted
    Hawaii
    Health
    Heather Chesky Photography
    Heatherwanningerofsweetlemonadephotography
    Heather-wanninger-of-sweet-lemonade-photography
    Heidi-anderson
    Hip-hop
    History
    Hoby
    Hollie Nagy
    Holly Simmons
    Honor Student
    Horror
    Horses
    HOSA
    Hudson-loverro
    Ice Skater
    Idaho
    Illinois
    Images By Marc Anthony
    Indiana
    Influencer
    Inspire Team
    Inspiring-teens
    International
    Interview
    Interviews
    Iowa
    Iran
    Isabella Connery
    Issue 18
    Issue 20
    Italy
    Iti-style
    Izzy-jones
    Jackson-pearson
    Jack-willis
    Jacob-mashburn
    Jacolby Moore
    JAG
    Jake-simon
    Jaki-good-miller
    Jaki-good-miller-photography
    James McCann III
    Jazz
    Jennifer Dunn Photography
    Jessica-robertson-photographic-artistry
    Jillian-cardinal
    Jillian-darrah
    Joe Gryboski
    Joe Gutowski
    Jolene Broad Photography
    Jonna-nielsen
    Jordan McEachin
    Jordan-veldman
    Joseph Stokes
    Julia-ischinger
    Julia-ischinger
    Julia-james
    Jump-rope
    Justin-graciano
    Kaitlyn Bowles
    Kamdyn-price
    Kansas
    Karenna Glenn
    Karen-stuffer-photography
    Kari-jim
    Kari Swenson
    Katelyn Watts
    Kate Smith Photography
    Kathryn Oelker
    Keara McKay
    Keeshawn Bell
    Kentucky
    Kimberly Wang
    Kim Rossing Photography
    Kingston Photography
    Kirstin Kania
    Krystal Kaye Images
    Kustom Dezigns Photography
    Kylee McManis
    LaCrosse
    Laine Giovanniello
    Lake Erie
    Landscapes
    Larissa Chelius
    Launa Penza Photography
    Laura Arick Photography
    Laura Beth Eikert Bailey
    Laura Cardona
    Laura Kercher
    Laura Tusek Of Senior Edge Photography
    Lauren Michener
    Lauren Stone
    Laws
    Leader
    Leader National Honor Society
    Leadership
    Leila Patel
    Lia Kurkimilis
    Libby Neveau
    Lighting
    Lily Anderson
    Lily Crane
    Lily Parham
    Lindsay Nalley Photography
    Links
    Lisa McNeil
    Lisa McNeil Photography
    Lisa McNiel Photography
    Lisa Weaver
    Literature
    LLC
    London
    Lorraine Hinks
    Louisiana
    Love Girls Magazine
    Lower Bucks
    Lower Moreland
    Luke Photography
    Luna Photography
    Mackenzie McMahan
    Madelene Eilers
    Madison Cavallo
    Madison Chodorowski
    Madison Dedieu
    Madison Koonce
    Madison Westermann
    Madi Westbrooke
    Magazines
    Maine
    Makayla Miller
    Makenzi Darnell
    Makeup
    Malavika Vivek
    Malcolm Hollett
    Mallory Lough
    Mallory Neil
    March For Our Lives
    Marci & Christy Photography
    Mariah Martinez
    Marie Suttmann
    Marisa Krasusky
    Mary (Emme) Pianfetti
    Maryland
    Massachusetts
    Massachuss
    Maya Jai Pinson
    Maya Sheklow
    MC Photography
    Meaghan Comer
    Mean GIrls
    Mean To Me
    Medical Research
    Members
    Memories By Tawnya
    Memories By Tawnya Photography
    Mental Disorder
    Michael Zellefrow Of Gizmo Photography
    Michelle Crane
    Michelle Sicard
    Michell Sicard
    Michigan
    Mikayla Havers
    Military
    Minnesota
    Mississippi
    Missouri
    Missy Cochrane
    Mock Trial
    Model
    Model Program
    Molly Crosby
    Money
    Monkeys Uncle
    Montana
    Montana Moyer
    Montgomery County
    Morgan-ramsey
    Morgan-young
    Mountain Bike
    Mounted Shooting
    Mouse Mural
    Mt. Pleasant Panther Competition Cheer Team
    Music
    Musician
    MVP
    Mykal-Michele Longino
    Nathaniel Munoz
    Nationa Honor Society
    National Honor Society President
    Nature
    Nazareth Academy
    Nebraska
    Nevada
    New Hampshire
    New Hampsire
    New Jersey
    New Mexico
    New York
    New York Fashion Week
    Nhs
    Niagra Falls
    Nick Hart
    Nicole Jancova
    Nicole Kilian
    Nicole Linder
    Noah Payne
    Non Profit
    North Carolina
    Notre Dame
    Nursing
    NYC
    Ohio
    Ohio State
    Ok
    Oklahoma
    Olivia Bradin
    Olivia Bush
    Olivia McClure
    Olivia Strickland
    OneLove
    Ontario
    Oregon
    Organization
    Orthodontist
    Paddle Boarding
    Pageant
    Pageants
    Paige Ross
    Paige Stater
    PALS
    Pantone Color Of The Year
    Peace Camp
    Pennelope B
    Pennhurst Asylum
    Pennsylvania
    Pennyslvania
    Perfomer
    Performer
    Perspective
    Peyton Fearin
    Peyton Young
    Philadelphia
    Philadelphia-teen-filmmaker
    Philanthropy
    Phoebe Berry
    Phoebe Coleman
    Photographer
    Photographers
    Photography
    Photo-shoot
    Photo-shoots
    Pigadillys
    Pilot
    Pink Lily Photography
    Pink-owl-photography
    Play-writer
    Poem
    Poetry
    Pointe
    Politics
    Portraits-with-michelle
    Pots
    Preacher
    Presley Connell
    Project Beauty
    Protest
    Publisher
    Puerto Rico
    Rachel
    Rachel Brushwood
    Rachel-gunder
    Radio-show-host
    ​Raina Saldivar
    Rainbow
    Raley-blacklock
    Raven Tikka
    Rebekah Gregg Photography
    Recovery
    Regan Corbet
    Regan-keating
    Religion
    Riane-lumer
    Riley-devlin
    Riley Marx
    Road-trip
    Robotics
    Rodeo
    Roka Studios
    Role Model
    Rosie Gadus
    Ruby-gomersall
    Ruby-kitzmiller
    Runway
    Sara-gingras
    Sarah-smith
    Scholar
    Scholars
    Scholarship
    School
    School-clubs
    Science
    Scouts
    Selessa-studio
    Senior
    Senior-pictures
    Senior Project
    Seniors
    Seniors By Marc Anthony
    Senior-trip
    Serena Yee
    Sew
    Shabay Photography
    Shaina Zaccagnino
    Sharie-thompson-stories-photography
    Sharon-holy-photography
    Shawn Haabermehl Photography
    Shawntoni Nicols
    Shayna-fink
    Sheah-payton
    Shelby Maiorano
    Shooter
    Shooting Future Stars
    Short-story
    Show-choir
    Shriners-hospital
    Shyness
    Sierra Zaccagnino
    Sierra-zacccagnino
    Silent-hill
    Simme Salguero
    Simply-time-photography
    Singer
    SLIME
    Soccer
    Social Justice
    Social Media
    Softball
    Sole Hope
    Song Writer
    ​Sonja Shamblin
    Sorority
    South Carolina
    South Dakota
    Spain
    Spartans
    Speaker
    Special Effects Makeup
    Special Olympics
    Spinal Injury
    Spokesmodels
    Sports
    Stacie Weaver Photography
    Stacy Jacob Photography
    Stacy Jacobs Photography
    STEM
    Student Athlete
    Studio Bloom By Shelley
    Study Abroad
    Style
    Style Wars
    Summer
    Summer Steele
    Super Bowl
    Survivor
    Susan Holloway Scott
    Sweden
    Swim
    Swimmer
    Swimsuits
    Switzerland
    T1D
    Taekwondo
    Talya Slezak
    Tammy Howell Photography
    TAP Photography
    Tawnya English
    Teacher
    Tech
    Ted Talks
    Tedx
    Teen
    Teen Author
    Teen Images
    Teen Jobs
    Teen Model
    Teen Models
    Teen Photographer
    Teen Photo Shoot
    Teens
    Teerage Photography
    Tennessee
    Tennis
    Texas
    Theater
    Theatre
    The Gray Senior
    The Moxie Design
    Thrift Store Finds
    TIarrah Charity
    Tim-goates-photography
    Tim Tebow Foundation
    To Do
    Tooley Photography
    Track
    Tra'Varius Tra'Vonn "Tank" Todd
    Trave
    Travel
    Traveler
    Travel Team
    Trey Boone
    Tristen Morris
    Tucker Brown
    Tulsa
    Tumbling
    Tween
    Tweens
    Twin
    Two Girls And A Lens
    Tyler Graciano
    Type 1
    Type 1 Diabetes
    Type One Diabetic
    Ty Thompson
    Unami
    Universal Studios
    University Of Pittsburgh
    Upcycling
    Upper Dublin High School
    US History
    Valedictorian
    Validictorian
    Valley Square
    Vet
    Video
    Vintage Couture Photography
    VIP Fashions
    Virginia
    Voices Of Teens
    Volleyball
    Volunteer
    Volunteers
    VOOT
    Washington
    Washington DC
    Water
    West Chester University
    West Virginia
    Wild Plum Photo
    Willow Grove Park Mall
    Willow Larson
    Wisconsin
    Workshop
    World Records
    Wrestling
    Writer
    Writing
    Yoga
    Youth Group
    Youth Olympics
    YouTube
    Youtuber
    Zach Smith
    Zandie Hall
    Zaria Robinson
    Zero Gravity
    Zierra Zaccagnino
    Zoe Cerrillo
    Zoe DAngelo
    Zoe D'Angelo
    Zoe D’Angelo
    Zoe D’Angelo
    Zoe-dangelo
    Zoe Sears
    Zoey Joseph

  • Home
    • Teams
  • Nominate
  • Scholarships
  • Featured
  • Magazines
    • 2023 Issues >
      • Issue 64
      • Issue 63
    • 2022 Issues >
      • Issue 62
      • Issue 61
      • Issue 60
      • Issue 59
      • Issue 58
      • Issue 57
      • Issue 56
      • Issue 55
      • Issue 54
      • Issue 53
      • Issue 52
      • Issue 51
  • Essays