Mary Woods
Mary Woods
Encore: Orchestrating Change - A documentary about the world's first orchestra for people with mental illnesses
Encore: Orchestrating Change - A documentary about the world's first orchestra for people with mental illnesses
Encore: Orchestrating Change - A documentary about the world's first orchestra for people with mental illnesses
Monday 1st August 2016
Explore Me2/Orchestra's journey in 'Orchestrating Change', a documentary about the world's first classical music group for people with mental illnesses.
55 minutes
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Author:
Mary Woods
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Sobriety Toolkit
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Family Recovery from Addiction
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Get the buttons here!Me2/Orchestra: Healing Minds Through Music
Music really can have an impact on your well-being. You know we've talked a lot about the other aspects of it, but I think there's also something to be said, and I know there have been clearly a lot of scientific studies on this, but music does affect your brain, it does affect your well-being, and a lot of the musicians have talked about how, when they're playing, one of the things that playing does is it gives them total focus, it shuts off everything else going on in their head, and it's really an escape for them in a very wonderful way.
Imagine an orchestra where the musicians are not just playing notes, but also rewriting their life stories. In this episode of 'One Hour AT A Time', host Mary Woods sits down with Margie Friedman and Barbara Walter-Wellen, the executive producers behind the documentary 'Orchestrating Change'. This film chronicles the remarkable journey of Me2/Orchestra, the world’s first classical music group for individuals living with mental illnesses.
Led by a conductor whose own career was disrupted by bipolar disorder, the orchestra offers a sanctuary where stigma and discrimination are left at the door. The Me2/Orchestra is more than just a musical ensemble; it's a community where people can reconnect with society and themselves. What makes this group stand out is its inclusive nature—there are no auditions, so anyone with a passion for music can join, regardless of skill level.
The episode sheds light on how playing in the orchestra helps members focus, find joy, and escape from the daily challenges they face due to their mental health conditions. Friedman and Walter-Wellen share touching stories about the musicians and the transformative power of music. One poignant quote from the episode captures this beautifully: 'Music really can have an impact on your well-being...
it gives them total focus, it shuts off everything else going on in their head, and it's really an escape for them in a very wonderful way'. The final performance in the documentary is described as an emotional triumph, not just for the musicians but for everyone who witnesses it. Whether you're curious about innovative mental health treatments or simply love a good story about human resilience, this episode offers a unique perspective on how music can be a lifeline.
Tune in to hear how Me2/Orchestra is changing lives, one note at a time.