Home is where the heart is. And when you have such strong ties to a community you love, you feel compelled to find some way to give back. This is how Megan Marolf feels about her hometown Valparaiso. After moving away for some time, years later she found her way back home and has served the community in more ways than one.
“I’m so glad to be a part of such a beautiful community,” Marolf said. “I’m pleased to be someplace where I feel a strong sense of belonging even after all these years.”
Marolf grew up with a strong passion for music. She started playing both the oboe and the piano when she was young, and was blessed with positive mentors during high school who encouraged her to follow her dreams. She moved out of Valparaiso when she decided to attend the University of Iowa to pursue a bachelor's degree in Music.
Once she graduated, she moved to New York City to pursue her master’s degree at the renowned Manhattan School of Music, and then began a freelance music career in the city. During her time as a musician, she toured Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia with the Philip Glass Ensemble. She also performed with other renowned ensembles such as the Westchester Chamber Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas, and Garden State Philharmonic.
“New York City has some of the best music schools in the world, with some extremely talented music teachers,” Marolf said. “My time in New York really did come from my heart and passion, and it helped me strengthen my talents.”
Some time passed, and Marolf and her husband Chris realized they wanted a change in scenery and to start a family. News reached them that a wine and cheese shop in Valparaiso named Old World Market was looking for new ownership, and the couple jumped at the opportunity.
“We wanted to be closer to home,” Marolf said. “This was a chance to try something new and different. Plus, we wanted to get involved with a vibrant community like Valparaiso.”
After their new venture began, the couple later had two sons named Owen and Hugo. When responsibilities began to stack up and their sons grew, the couple decided to pass the business on to someone else to focus on raising their family.
Marolf began to get more involved with the Valparaiso community. She serves on the Valparaiso Creative Council, a group of talented individuals dedicated to cultivating and advancing the arts community in the city. It is a collaborative effort between artists and musicians all over the city to bring the local art scene to the forefront and support it. She has worked on many community engagement endeavors with partner organizations to bring local art projects to the spotlight.
“Creating a long-lasting, healthy arts community here in Valparaiso is a personal endeavor of mine,” Marolf said. “I want to be a part of this collective effort to influence and impact adults and children alike and make substantial strides in the future.”
She also recently joined the executive committee as Vice President for the organization to help figure out what its next steps are.
“This truly has been a roundabout journey,” Marolf said. “Everything that I’ve done and the experiences I’ve had, I wouldn’t trade them for anything.”
While she is incredibly busy raising her children and serving the community, Marolf still makes time to play music. She plays the oboe at church with other Valpo musicians, and sometimes even with the Valparaiso University Orchestra.
For more information on the Valparaiso Creative Council, please visit www.valpocreates.org.