For Helen and Richard Phillips, a love of the arts—and a deep appreciation for community—has shaped much of their lives. In May 2024, they moved to Rohnert Park from Portland, Oregon, where they had lived since 2013. The move marked a return to California, where they raised their three children in Newbury Park and, before that, lived in San Diego. Both Helen and Richard grew up in Southern California and spent time living in the Bay Area while Richard was in graduate school at Cal. Helen also earned her degree from Cal.

The couple met as undergraduates at UC Irvine during “Uniprep,” the university’s new student orientation week. Richard had transferred from Cal State Fullerton, and Helen was a recent high school graduate. They still remember the slogan from that summer: “Irvine ain’t no cow college”—a playful nod to the cows grazing near their dorms at Mesa Court.

Professionally, both built careers in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries. Richard began as a research chemist before moving into drug development. The big pharma merger frenzy of the late 1980s and early 2000s had their family relocating every two to three years, including time in Mountain View and Switzerland. His last two roles were with biotech firms in Los Angeles, where he led Global Regulatory Affairs and helped secure FDA approval for two cancer drugs. Helen began her career in a biomedical research lab and later transitioned into clinical research.

When it came time to find a new home in California, Helen and Richard looked for a place with less congestion and easier access to cultural events. Sonoma County checked every box. A new housing development in Rohnert Park appealed to them—and the fact that it was within walking distance of the Green Music Center sealed the deal.

They discovered the Green Music Center while researching places to relocate and began attending events shortly after signing the contract on their home. Their first concert was the 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular in 2023, enjoying table seating on the lawn. Since then, they’ve attended several performances, including pianoSonoma, UB40, The Beach Boys, the Australian Chamber Orchestra – Ottoman Four Seasons, Vanessa Sánchez y La Mezcla, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, YAMATO – The Drummers of Japan, the Naghash Ensemble, the Sonoma Guitar Series, Nikole Hannah-Jones, and the Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band.

Their connection to the arts runs deep. Both learned piano as children, and Richard also played trombone. Helen even considered majoring in dance during college. They’ve maintained a love for many styles of music and the performing arts, and they see the Green Music Center as a space that reflects and supports that passion. “We value a place like the GMC because it provides a place for the community to listen to and experience different art forms, as it promotes the vast diversity in the arts and the area,” they shared.

What stands out most to them is the Green’s commitment to highlighting underrepresented voices. “We especially appreciated the promotion of traditionally marginalized peoples and their expression of different art forms,” they said. That commitment is also why they give. “We give to the GMC to help assure the continuation of their traditionally marginalized peoples’ programming.”

To those who haven’t yet explored all the Green Music Center has to offer, Helen and Richard have a message: “One can travel the world to experience other cultures, but the GMC has brought world cultural experiences to us in Sonoma County.” They recall the Ottoman Four Seasons with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Cairo-born musicians Joseph and James Tawadros as a highlight. “We had never heard of an oud, but Joseph’s playing was so wonderful that we downloaded one of his albums. And who would have guessed the history of why Indigenous Americans play big band jazz? Attending performances at the GMC has been thoughtful, uplifting, and educational!”

The Green Music Center thanks Helen and Richard Phillips for their generous support. Their commitment helps ensure the Green continues to offer vibrant, inclusive programming for all.

Join Helen and Richard and become a Green Music Supporter. Questions? Contact Jana Ponce, jana.ponce@sonoma.edu. 707-664-3530.