Veterans Music Outreach Program

About the Program

Category: Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation (Best in Category)

Year: 2016

The essence of a musical composition (the melody, harmony, flow, and dynamics) speaks to us on a cellular level, deepening the human experience in the moment. This key connection is the foundation to the platform of remedial growth through music. It mends and develops ones spirit. In this ideal lies the intent of our program. Through music we have a voice. This program allows Veterans to seek healthy alternatives to reintegration struggles and combat the often tragic symptoms of PTSD, traumatic brain injury, anxiety and chronic pain, through communing around shared talent and creating music. Expected outcomes such as Joy, camaraderie, expression of feelings, alleviation of stress, pain and fatigue were evident instantly. Unexpected outcomes such as suicide prevention, a sense of belonging, ownership, and accountability within the group, age range of participants, veteran to veteran mentoring, spouse involvement, and the consistent growth of the program, are surprising us even now. This program has become a support system for so many of our community members. We never expected WWII Veterans to attend. They enjoy listening from the sidelines and somehow seem to feel a sense of belonging as they sit with their brothers adding another layer to the fold.