The “We are the World” Blogfest kicks off today with a plethora of worldwide posts. This blogfest’s goal is to spread the message of light, hope and love in today’s world. We are challenging all participants to share the positive side of humanity. This month’s co-hosts, Damyanti Biswas, Belinda Witzenhausen, Simon Falk, Sylvia McGrath and Ashlynn Waterstone welcome participants and encourage all to join in during future months. #WATWB is a blog hop on the last Friday of every month. Click HERE to check out the intention and rules of the blogfest and feel free to sign up at any time between now and February of 2018.
In Harmony
As I was watching the news in early March, a piece about music and children with cerebral palsy caught my attention. A program called “In Harmony” had brought the music of the Fox Valley Symphony to the CP Center in Kimberly, WI.
“Music therapy is wonderful. We use it as a tool to help folks reach non-musical goals. Speech and language, movement, more social emotional goals…we use it to help facilitate those things” explains music therapist, Rachel Lofton.
‘It is amazing the effects on the clients when the listen to the live music. We have some clients who might be a bit agitated, may have a lot of anxiety… they really calm down, the smiles come out and its a really happy time,’ says Rebecca Kamenick, Site Manager for CP Fox Cities.The musicians are members of the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra, doing outreach to celebrate their 50th anniversary. ‘As part of that initiative we want to make sure we are reaching everyone in the Fox Valley, that we are truly the Fox Valley’s orchestra.’ The orchestra partnered with Expressive Therapies and Lawrence University to make the program a success.”
Click HERE to watch the news video and read more about the In Harmony program.
From an article in the Appleton Post Crescent:
“A quartet from the symphony played music for students at Madison Middle School, Appleton West High School and adults at the CP Center. The musicians visited each site, and conducted one-hour sessions for five weeks. They were led by Rachel Lofton, a music therapist at Expressive Therapies in Appleton, and were assisted by music education students from Lawrence University. ‘The program is modeled on an initiative launched in Madison, and is part of the symphony’s community outreach,’ said Oliver Zornow, community engagement manager for the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra.”
“In Harmony” performances come with a price. The cost of running the 10-week program is $13,200. Expenses are covered through grants, including a $2,000 award from the Appleton Education Foundation.
What an excellent, positive and heart-warming use of grant monies and music. Music feeds the soul for everyone, but especially the children of the Fox Valley who were so richly affected by the “In Harmony” program.
Smiles all around…
Donations to the Fox Valley Symphony can be made at www.foxvalleysymphony.com.
Mary J Melange 
This is an example of why we need this kind of funding. I love how this brings people together to help people in need and to enrich their lives. Thanks for sharing this story and thanks to all the volunteers who help make this program possible.
A great story, Mary. Music has no boundaries like love and this is a perfect way to bring people together without saying too many words. Let the music speak.
Exactly Sharukh. As a lover of music, I can’t imagine life without it or its benefits.
Thank you for sharing such an amazing story.
You’re welcome, Peter!
Such a smart approach to helping other people. Music tames the beast, as they say. It makes me happier knowing that such a program enriches the lives of those who need it the most.
This is very smart, Ally. I feel a little embarrassed to say that I have never been to a performance of the Symphony (not necessarily my brand of music), but this program and the goodness of it inspires me to give it a go.
Visiting a few of the blogs before I paint a bit this morning… Yesh to music as therapy and uplifting energizing mood-changing!
So, therefore, I must keep the music on at all times. Loved your post, Katie. Will have to go back later and review it again. Just lovely!
great! A heart warming story – harmony in symphony –
I wish I could have been in the room with those kids.
A lovely feel-good experience for everyone – both for the musicians and the audience, and now for us as well. Thank you!
You’re welcome, Deborah. Glad you enjoyed!
Music binds us all, and when it is placed in the service of such a wonderful cause–it becomes magical. Thanks for sharing this lovely story, Mary.
Magical…that’s a great word to describe how it must feel for the kids and musicians.
Love this! There is so much that can be said for the transforming power of music. My husband is a p/t musician who lives for music and has done gigs for various hospitals & organizations…definitely the best medicine! Thanks so much for sharing this! 🙂 #WATWB Belinda Witzenhausen~Writer, Creativity Coach & Artist
Give your husband two thumbs up for the work he does. I don’t sing (well) or play a musical instrument, but I love and appreciate those who do it with heart and compassion for others.
Oh that’s quite nice. The arts are where it’s at. Good choice 🙂
The symphony and I thank you!
Music is the universal language…it brings people together and fosters peace, harmony and love!
A wonderful initiative!
It has been SO uplifting to read all the WATWB posts! We need this feel-good day to rejuvenate our spirits that take a beating from all the negative stories that flourish on social media. 🙂
I agree Michelle. The Blogfest has been heartwarming, smile inducing and so needed at this time. I hope we are bringing much light to others who are reading, whether they participate or not.
Mary, this is a real hit. Struck the right note. Music is among the most wonderful things in this world. To think music is expressed for such a purpose… just exquisite 😀 Great to be sharing another Blogfest with you Simon’s Still Stanza #WATWB
Thanks Simon! I can’t express enough how wonderful music is for the mind, body and soul…from rock to pop to jazz and all the different genres that exist. I’m glad the kids have this awesome opportunity.
Ah, where would we be without music? I think the world would have to stop turning. A great initiative – both “InHarmony” and the WATWB.
I agree Curtis. Let’s make sure the world spins musically for all.
Music and love go together, Harmony is a good idea, more power to it. Thank you so much! Team #WATWB
*Inderpreet/EloquentArticulation*
it’s such a nice thing to see something positive — just marvelous. Hugs.
Yes, and in my area too. I am finding positive things happening in my area from participating in the blogfest.It’s very cool.