At the end of that concert, I happened to observe a little girl who was clearly moved by the show. The girl who appeared to have a developmental disability, excitedly clapped and announced to her parents that she was going to perform music on stage just like the orchestra members. Her parents replied back with a smile and replied "That would be great!"
I was struck by both the notes of optimism a
nd sadness in her parents’ voices. While her parents were expressing happiness that their daughter was so moved by the orchestra and its performance to want to aspire to be like them, there was also a sense of sadness from the realization that their daughter in all likelihood would not be able to fulfill her dreams of being a professional musician given her apparent disability. The odds were against her that for that particular desire. I went home particularly moved by that scene. The idea for Hearts For Music was born out of that incident. Hearts For Music www.heartsformusic.org is proud to be the world’s first special needs orchestra and/or instrumental ensemble. Utilizing a combination of keyboards, iPads and acoustic instruments, orchestra members will explore and perform a variety of classical and popular works. At Hearts For Music, Inc we believe that no disability is too profound to stand in the way of one’s desire to create and perform music. Our goal for our beloved orchestra members is simple: to have tremendous fun creating music together with others and to experience the unique rush of exhilaration that comes from performing on stage for others. With genuine compassion, love, and patience, we aim to show that disabilities can be transformed into abilities in remarkable ways. Your kind donation of money will go towards the acquisition and maintenance of music keyboards and iPads and other instruments/adaptive devices for our special needs orchestra members, as well as assist us in administration and staffing. Our website is www.heartsformusic.org
On behalf of the Board of Directors and all of those involved in Hearts For Music, Inc , thank you! Kitrael Chin - President and Creative Director for Hearts For Music Inc.
