Professional Musician and Teacher; Programs Director,Compass Inc.; Director of Music Ministry, Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbia

Violet Vonder Haar wears a lot of hats. Most of them are related to music — singer, songwriter, musician, performer, teacher, programs director, and ministry leader at her church. But she has also left her mark on Columbia as an activist for issues including women’s rights and environmental justice. And she uses music to amplify the voices of countless others. 

As Richard Sherwood, scientist and music lover puts it: “Violet Vonder Haar is a music teacher. But maybe not like you think.” 

“There is an entire generation of Columbia residents whose lives have been changed by Violet,” says Art Smith, photographer and author. “For many of the kids who have gone through Compass Music Camp, returning year after year, that experience has shaped them. They have learned to create along with others to produce something amazing. They have learned first-hand that a shared passion can produce incredible results. Violet has shown them the value of their individual gifts and the joy in sharing and blending those gifts with others.” 

Violet directs programming for a variety of Compass Inc.’s music offerings, including camps, lessons, and classes for children and adults.  

“I never set out to be a “programs director,” Violet says. “I just wanted to create a safe space for my community to gather and make music after having to stay isolated for nearly two years because of the pandemic. I knew that music would be an integral part of both the healing and the rebuilding of our community.” 

During summer 2021, Violet and her wife, Phylshawn Johnson, Compass board chair, musician, and composer, leased space for the Compass Music Center. With donations from the community and Veteran’s United, they built that safe space for open mic nights, performances, recitals, and other events where people can express themselves freely. Safe spaces can be vibrant.  

Violet founded the Jane Doe Revue, an all-female rock orchestra that performs the music of renown female artists to raise money for local women’s organizations. Her band, Violet and the Undercurrents, records and performs its “shape-shifting indie rock” in venues nationwide.  

Beethoven said, “Music can change the world.” Violet’s changing Columbia, one person and one note at a time.  

Age: 35 

Fun Fact:

Violet thinks she can always fall back on becoming a hair stylist. She’s been cutting her own since high school.