#OrganizationOfTheWeek – A Look at Med’ley

Last week, we sat down with the Carabins Crocodiles Association to learn more about community life in Nîmes. Today, Gaël Gomez, president of the Montpellier music association, is taking part in a Q&A session!

In a nutshell, what is Med’Ley?

Med’ley Montpellier Association is the music association based at the School of Medicine. Since last year, it has been open to all students in health-related programs (medicine, midwifery, pharmacy, dentistry, physical therapy, etc.). Above all, our goal is to bring music into these long and challenging courses of study. It also allows all these future healthcare professionals to interact with one another during our various events. It’s not just a club for musicians, but rather an opportunity for students to meet and connect in a musical setting.

What activities or initiatives do you organize throughout the year?

The Med’ley association organizes a wide variety of events. First of all, we are fortunate to be able to bring joy to children in the hospital by performing in the pediatric wards at the Arnaud de Villeneuve and Gui de Chauliac University Hospitals. 

In addition to our humanitarian efforts, we organize concerts at well-known bars in Montpellier, as well as Blind Test and karaoke nights—all with the goal of bringing everyone together through music. 

In addition, for the past two years, our singing competition, the Med’ley Music Awards, has brought together singers from all academic disciplines at the University of Montpellier and other cities such as Toulouse and Nîmes. Held in the anatomy lecture hall, this competition draws more than 200 people each year, with a new feature introduced this year: our grand prize winner qualifies directly for the finals of the Coupe de France d’Interprétation. The winner also receives a studio recording session with our partner. 

In addition, at the end of the academic year, we usually organize a large outdoor concert in the Jardin des Plantes, featuring food and drink stands; however, due to the current crisis, it could not take place.

Med’ley also allows musicians to perform at many other events, such as the Medicine Gala, the ACM’s Open Stages, and Heritage Days, among others.

Finally, throughout the year, we organize tutorials in our music room to help members learn an instrument, as well as jam sessions to bring musicians together. 

What does the association offer students?

The club gives health care students the chance to come together through music, regardless of their major, and take their minds off things. It allows people to connect and socialize in a much more fun setting—through music. 

In addition, through our work in pediatrics, these future healthcare professionals can come to view the hospital differently—from a more entertaining perspective. 

Why do you think people should join your organization? 

First of all, our members have free access to our music room in the historic building, where they can practice, rehearse, or use the instruments we provide. 

They also have the opportunity to play at the CHU and perform at all the various events we’re involved in. But they can also simply come by to take advantage of our many special rates and have a good time enjoying the music. 

Members who want to learn to play an instrument or get back into it can participate in our Med’ley Tutorials. 

Finally, they'll be able to take advantage of discounts and special offers from our various partners. 

How do I sign up? 

Membership, which costs €5 for second-year students (DFGSM2, DFGSA2, etc.), €3 for PACES students and third-year students, and is free for students in higher years, can be purchased at any time of the year. 

You can join during our office hours at the various colleges, before or during our events, or by contacting us through our social media channels.

A few words about the 2020–2021 executive board?

The 2020–2021 executive board has already been selected and will take office after the General Assembly for the handover of duties, which will take place in early June. This motivated, promising board, brimming with new ideas, is sure to satisfy our future members, especially since it brings together four health-related fields… 

In the meantime, you can follow us on social media right now:

Facebook: @MedleyMontpellierAssociation 

Instagram: @medley.asso