Alex Strachan is a remarkable young leader who humbly embodies the perfect blend of musical talent and a deep commitment to serving his community.
We love our BI communities!
Although we have team members operating in critical mission support roles from all over the nation and stationed around the globe, at the center of BI is our headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland. So, we are beaming with pride as we spotlight the positive community impact that our NASA SEWP team member, Renita Wilson’s son, Alex, is having in our neighboring Prince George’s county. Let us tell you the story of Alex Strachan: An Officer – and a Savant…
Alex discovered his passion for the violin at the tender age of 9 and has been honing his skills with dedication ever since.
He gained experience by playing for his grandmother who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and through that, experienced the joy of being able to give her moments of lucidity while he played, before she would settle back into her memory loss struggles.
After graduating from college, Alex embarked on a unique path, working at the Hospice of the Chesapeake where he provided soothing melodies to clients in their final moments of life. This experience sparked a powerful passion within him, leading him to establish the Healing Strings Studio. Through this endeavor, he is bringing the healing power of live music to terminally ill children, adults, and their families.
Don’t miss his next performance! August 26 – Performing the National Anthem at a Washington Commanders’ home game.
A transformational, post-pandemic career pivot into law enforcement amplified his community impact.
In 2021, Alex took the next extraordinary step in his journey by joining the Prince George’s County police force in Maryland. However, while there is much conformity that being an officer in uniform entails – once a creative, always a creative. So, in the past 2 years, he has seamlessly combined his musical talents with his role as a law enforcement officer, often playing the violin in uniform at community events. This unique approach has not only bridged the gap between law enforcement and the community but has also touched the hearts of those who have had the privilege of witnessing his performances. Alex’s journey exemplifies how important it is for individuals to bring the richness of their full selves to work, for sake of the greater good.
“As a child, I was inspired by the men who mentored me at Largo Community Church. I was continually encouraged every time I played during services at church and wanted to continue sharing my musical talent. The choir director at the time, Mr. Patterson requested we play together not just for services but concerts and various outreach projects in the community. The men at Largo Community Church were crucial during my youth, especially as an African American young male trying to figure out my path. I hope to continue paying their efforts in guiding me forward to others. I’m currently a Police Officer for Prince George’s County Police Department and hope to show the community that I can utilize my passion for music as a musician while serving in a Law Enforcement capacity. I also hope to show that I’m more than just the uniform people perceive in today’s climate.”
His musical roots are certainly a significant part of who he is – but are only the beginning of his story.
One of the mysteries of how some creative thinkers’ work excels, while many others continue on without wider recognition is this: Eminent works that rise above are works of those who discover an innovative edge or spark at an unusual intersection of their passions, experiences and/or capabilities.
So, in Alex’s case, while he may be known in local circles for his big-hearted, violin performances, the larger level of community impact and media attention entered the scenario when he became known for the unusual combination of being an altruistic violinist who is also a young police officer in Prince George’s county.
One of the mysteries of how some creative thinkers’ work excels, while many others continue on without wider recognition is this: Eminent works that rise above are works of those who discover an innovative edge or spark at an unusual intersection of their passions, experiences and/or capabilities.
Once he settled into his new role in 2021, and then began to layer in his violin performances – this time with larger audiences and while in uniform – the momentum and breadth of impact only multiplied.
- CBS This Morning with Gail King June 2022
- Police Commander’s Award for Professionalism & Demeanor
- Dickinson College Outstanding Young Alumni Awards
- Kelly Clarkson Show May 2023
- Participated in Juneteenth Celebration at US Treasury June 2023
- June 2023 Received Obama’s First Term Bronze Medal
- Next Up: National Anthem at Washington Commanders’ home game, August 26, 2023
Author
Breanna Wheeler
Director, Communications & Brand
Positive Community Impact with a Big-Picture View
Alex continues to perform in nursing homes, hospices, town halls and more, both independently and as an officer. According to the Dickinson College Outstanding Alumni Awards writeup, “Perhaps his most personally satisfying professional moment arrived within the past year, when he learned that young boy who looks like him was inspired to see him perform—because it confirmed to the boy that he, too, could follow his dream of playing violin.”
[As a police officer,] “the situations we go into are arguably the worst of someone’s day, and when I played in hospice, those moments were also arguably the worst that that person had ever experienced. Being able to play for people in those situations has prepared me for the grittiness of the job as an officer.” – Alex Strachan
Now, playing in uniform, he hopes people will see officers as more than a gun and a badge. He hasn’t traded in the violin for a weapon – he’s found a way to carry both. And he hopes it enables people to see a different, more human side of police officers.
“Alex’s career as a police officer has exposed him to people from all walks of life in the communities he serves. When Alex was younger, he saw things as either right or wrong. As he grew into adulthood, he began to see the gray areas that impact people and how they live. This perspective has brought about tremendous growth in his violin playing. He has expanded his repertoire to touch more people and he works hard to learn new music. It’s a joy for me to witness my son’s transformation to the person he is today. He’s full of compassion for humanity and truly wants the best for those that he serves. I’m extremely proud of him and his fellow law enforcement officers.”
What’s next for Alex?
On August 26, 2023, he will be playing the national anthem at the Washington Commanders’ home game, against the Cincinnatti Bengals. Care to attend? He’d love to have you cheering in the stands! Tickets available here…
Thanks to Renita Wilson for bringing her son’s unique work and impact to our attention. BI cares and is honored to give voice to those who are building up our communities with their gifts, alongside us.
About the Author
Breanna Wheeler is a brand storyteller who advocates for users through design, writes to inspire, values people and community, and intentionally chooses to support teams in tech who are dedicated to improving lives. She finds deep satisfaction in bringing design to the strategy table, leading teams to think differently and fostering an environment of entrepreneurial exploration and innovation. She has joined the BI team in November 2022, to serve as the Director of Communications and Brand.
About BI
Business Integra is an award-winning, global provider of information technology, cybersecurity, aeronautic engineering, scientific and mission support services. We are committed to producing efficient and ethical results that cut costs, reduce risks, secure data, and advance human progress via cybersecurity, IT, engineering and mission support services.
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