About PMOC

Lorenzo Quiceno is the founder and first president of Passionate Musicians on Call (PMOC). His passion and vision for music and serving others helped fuel the creation of PMOC in the Fall of 2022. This process began when Lorenzo noticed that there was a lack of opportunity for musicians like himself. Students who were on a pre-health track and did not want to pursue music as a career, but did want to continue playing music. With dedication and the right people behind him, Lorenzo was able to give back to the underserved communities in Gainesville through the power of music. To Lorenzo and many others, music serves as an escape from the stresses and hardships of daily life. Music is an opportunity to share emotions with others beyond what words are capable of. Lorenzo graduated from the University of Florida in May of 2024 with a B.S. in Nutritional Sciences and a minor in Health Disparities.

Passionate Musicians on Call is a service-based organization at the University of Florida. Our mission is to provide musical performances to underserved communities in Gainesville to address the social determinants of health. Music is well-known for providing potential well-being and health benefits by encouraging social connection, emotional release, and alleviating stress. Our target populations include individuals who are low-income, elderly, homeless, disabled, immigrants, socially disadvantaged, and/or chronically ill. The goal is to have a variety of musical groups such as Orchestra, Symphonic, Jazz, and Choir ensembles where members play together for the audience in groups, as well as solo performances. Members also engage in socials, outreach events, and general body meetings. 

Ferol Carytsas is the Director of the UF Center for Arts in Medicine and also is a lecturer within the department. Ferol has co-developed the Undergraduate Certificate of Music in Medicine, for those looking to connect their love of music to their passion for improving health. Prior to this role, Ferol was the Volunteer Coordinator at UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine. Ferol was also a founding board member of the National Organization for Arts in Health (NOAH) and served on the board for 5 years. NOAH helps coordinate, advocate, and amplify the impacts of the arts on health and well-being. Ferol has also been at the forefront of research in her field. She has co-authored numerous articles exploring the relationships between the arts and health. Ferol has also established the UF Health Music Ensemble to foster community, team building, and a peer-to-peer environment among UF faculty, staff, students, and alumni.  

Ferol's email address is fcarytsas@arts.ufl.edu.