A few friends and I recently drove down to Cambridge for One Night Band.

One Night Band is an amazing exercise in creativity and teamwork. Forty local musicians were randomly sorted into groups of five on Saturday morning to make eight new bands. Each band then had 10 hours to write three new songs and practice one familiar song before being thrown on stage to perform in front of an audience that night.

The resulting concert is a benefit to raise funds for ZUMIX, a local youth music program that empowers youth to use music to make strong positive change in their lives, their communities, and the world. Little did I expect to be the one who left empowered.

The talent that filled the room was inspirational. However, the members of one band not only performed well, but switched instruments for every song! At one point, the lead singer became the drummer, the bass guitarist moved to the keyboard, the drummer picked up a guitar, and the keyboardist grabbed the microphone. I couldn't help but jump into my work mindset as a bunch of strangers struggled to use everything within them to create something for everyone to enjoy and benefit from.

The band members brought their individual skills together to make beautiful harmony. Their power intensified when each was willing to step up at times and step back at others. Because they shared the spotlight, they all shone brighter.

Instantly I thought of New Hampshire's resident-owned communities, and of the residents and leaders who take on many roles there. The most influential lead with generosity, a spirit of cooperation and a gift for empowering others. They're happy as ensemble players in the background, but willing to take the microphone when needed. Most importantly, they create harmonious places to live.

Former ROC-NH cooperative conversion specialist Angela Romeo now works for ROC USA.

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