ABOUT
During our 2022 Annual Panel, we explored two significant topics related to mental health and classical music: institutional change and creating support. Hosted by Executive Director Alex Hoffman, this discussion featured a roster of incredible panelists, including:
Carl Evans, CEO, Hope For Us Network
Braizahn Jones, Assistant Principal Bass, Oregon Symphony
Mallory Thompson, Director of Bands, Northwestern University
Elizabeth Rowe, Principal Flute, Boston Symphony Orchestra
We kicked this event off with a New World Symphony / Sound Mind co-commission by composer Marcus Norris, Out for Blood. Check it out on our YouTube channel here!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Q: What are some steps that you have taken to find joy and fulfillment in what you do?
A: Have a hero. - Braizahn Jones
Q: How has your career or your life been affected by mental health?
A: We have to find the balance between striving for excellence and caring for ourselves, and help ourselves understand that caring for ourselves helps us get there. - Elizabeth Rowe
Q: What are some concrete changes you’d like to see regarding the impact of institutions on mental health?
A: Getting everyone to validate that mental health is real, and recognize signs and symptoms as early as possible. - Carl Evans
Q: How responsible are faculty members for their students’ wellbeing?
A: We are not qualified to be therapists. We are responsible for creating a healthy environment and modeling helpful behaviors in a career. Everyone needs boundaries - the students and the faculty members. - Mallory Thompson