We’ve been receiving dozens of stories from people coast to coast about the transformative power of music. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we are publishing a story every day in May.
Submitted by: Clark Hodge
It was about 8 years ago, when we had a little outdoor party at my home in the mountains of Colorado. We had some musician friends that were part of a little chamber orchestra come up and they brought the rest of the orchestra to play. One couple Mike and Julie, were professionals, with the local orchestra (Mike a horn player, and Julie, a flutist). They brought their little girl 4-year-old Lauren. I played with Lauren on the rocks while they performed. Mike had brought and played an alpenhorn. It was a beautiful and glorious day.
About 6 months afterward, I got a call. Lauren had cancer.
It ripped me apart. I barely knew them, but they were the nicest family you can imagine.
We (my wife and I) were going to get Lauren a really cool teddy bear. But, after searching, we realized, every kid has too many teddy bears, and no matter how cool we thought it was, it probably wouldn't be 'the one' for Lauren.
I spent several weeks racking my brain for a gift that would have real meaning. I finally came up with the idea of having an original piece of music composed and performed just for Lauren. I had no idea what that even entailed.
Long story short... We did it. We premiered the piece and it was beautiful. Musicians and audience members were crying. As the applause died down Lauren looked up at me and said, "Clark, I'm never going to stop smiling."
I was changed forever.
Enjoy "Chase the Morning Sun" a piece composed by Clint Needham for little Lauren. The piece purports that no matter how bad things are when you go to sleep, the next morning you are going to chase all that is good and positive and beautiful. You are going to chase the morning sun!
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Epilogue
As time went on, I did a few more of these gifts. Then I was laid off from my high-tech job. I took that opportunity to create an NGO / non-profit- Chase the Music. Chase the Music gives children battling critical conditions hope, strength, love, and joy through the power of music.
Original music - composed and performed just for them.
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For more information on the incredible work that Clark is doing at Chase the Music, visit www.chasethemusic.org
