A Word With Emilia Voss

Fresh from school and newly arrived in Berlin, Emilia has landed right in the heart of choir life! As the new cultural volunteer (FSJ) in the management team of the Rundfunkchor Berlin, she spends her days juggling to-do lists, creative ideas, and an old-school telephone that occasionally makes her heart race. In our interview, she tells us why Excel spreadsheets can sometimes be almost as exciting as moments on stage, what a bathtub has to do with team spirit, and why you don’t need to be a professional to make a big start here.

1. Facts: Where are you from? What were your A-level subjects? What was your connection to culture growing up?

I come from the small northern German town of Lüneburg. At school, my A-levels were in German, English and Music. My father is a church musician and my mother is a singer – that definitely shaped my cultural background. Growing up, I had to (and got to) attend lots of services and oratorios – something I now really appreciate. I play the cello and act in theatre productions, I sing in a choir and even worked in a cinema once – so culture has always played a big part in my life!

2. How did you decide to do a Cultural Voluntary Year (FSJ Kultur), and what led you to the Rundfunkchor Berlin? How does it help you with your career plans after school?

Even during my A-levels, I knew I wanted to do something completely different before starting university. The idea of doing an FSJ came to me quickly, and since I grew up with choral music, I was immediately drawn to the idea of an FSJ in culture. I came across the opportunity to do an FSJ at a professional choir through an Instagram story from the Bundesjugendchor. Through the FSJ choral community online, I discovered the Rundfunkchor Berlin and simply applied.

3. What are your tasks, and what does a typical day look like?

That can vary a lot. Often, people from all sorts of departments approach me and ask if I could take on something else. I print and send contracts, create Excel sheets and cast lists, but I also take part in brainstorming sessions, come up with ideas for the website, and much more…

4. Was there a moment when you felt: »Now I really belong here«?

That happened quite quickly, because the team is extremely open and welcoming. There wasn’t one specific moment – I felt integrated right from the start.

5. What has been the biggest surprise during your FSJ so far, and why?

When we went on a team trip with the management department to Bad Belzig, and I – the FSJ volunteer – was the only one who got the luxury room with a big bathroom and a bathtub. FSJ volunteers are treated premium here!

6. What was overwhelming at first but has become fun now?

Answering the phone. The first time it rang, my heart skipped a beat. But there’s something special about that old-school telephone – it makes you feel very important and »business-like.«

7. What advice would you give to your first-day FSJ self?

To stay relaxed and look forward to everything. I was very nervous at the beginning and quickly realised there was no need to be. You should simply enjoy it and take every experience you can get.

8. What has been your »aha« moment so far – something you’ve learned about yourself or about working in the cultural field?

How seriously choral singing is taken – I only knew it as a hobby before. I’ve also noticed how open the cultural community in Berlin is and how much effort goes into reaching as many people as possible. Every day here, people think about what can be improved or reinvented to engage new audiences. I love that constant drive for change and seeing how the cultural world evolves over time.

9. If you had to describe your FSJ experience in one word, what would it be?

Enriching! I’m already gathering so many experiences and social skills that will definitely help me in my future career and life.

10. Have you developed any rituals before or after work?

Breakfast – before work. I didn’t like having breakfast that early back in school, but now it feels essential for getting enough energy for the day. And I don’t have to get up quite as early anymore…

11. If you made your own FSJ playlist, which song would have to be on it?

»Money, Money, Money« by ABBA! It was performed at the first RundfunkchorLounge I attended, and it’s just such a fun song.

12. Which skills or talents have you discovered during your FSJ that may have gone unnoticed at school?

Working creatively – whether in project management or in the press department. In general, I think creativity doesn’t get enough space at school, but here it’s really encouraged and valued.

13. Are there experiences from your FSJ that you’d call »once in a lifetime« opportunities?

Good question! Everything feels like a »once in a lifetime« experience, because I get to look behind the scenes of a major cultural institution and be part of its important work without having formal qualifications. I was simply thrown in at the deep end – in the best possible way – and can take everything that’s offered to me. Opportunities like this are very rare.

14. What would be your dream job in the cultural sector?

I see myself more on stage than behind the scenes. I plan to apply to drama school and would love to become an actress. But during my FSJ, I’ve also discovered the appeal of working behind the scenes. I’ve realised I find project management and marketing quite interesting too – I could imagine doing that as well.

15. How does the FSJ give you the chance to realise your own ideas?

That really depends on the host institution. At Rundfunkchor Berlin, the team gives me plenty of space to contribute and share ideas. Everyone listens, I’m given a lot of freedom, and I can be as creative as I like. As part of the FSJ Kultur, each volunteer leads their own independent project, from the first idea to realisation. I think that’s a great opportunity to create something truly personal. The team supports me in developing and implementing my ideas – I feel really encouraged and appreciated here.