Music in its various manifestations has served humanity well throughout many thousands of years. It is believed to have originated during the middle of the Paleolithic Period, dating back 50,000 BP to 12,000 BP. It’s evidence is even depicted by dancers in ancient original cave paintings.
The rhythm of music is, and has long been, recognized far and wide as a powerful tool for uplifting one’s spirit. It’s quite capable of evoking an emotional response, it may relax or stimulate, and potentially help people heal. Indeed, nowadays it’s believed to improve medical outcomes and quality of life in a variety of ways.
With that in mind, Laura and I recently had the distinct pleasure to speak with, and record an interview with David Victor, a California based Classic Rocker on our podcast, Breast Cancer Conversations. David, a guitarist, and lead singer for the band BOSTON, had an intriguing story to tell. For over an hour he regaled us with his narrative, as well as sang several beautiful songs, including an original composition, all of which he accompanied himself with a lively, acoustic rhythm guitar.
His story follows:
As a performing member of the platinum selling band BOSTON back in 2012, David noticed how fans were mesmerized and transported back to their youth. He was intrigued that even hardcore BOSTON fans didn’t seem to care who the on-stage bandmates were; “they only cared that we were reproducing this searing live music that
resurfaced old, pleasant memories - which made them feel good”.
While on one of the final tours, he was fortunate to have the opportunity to perform a live acoustic music show for some children at Miller Children’s Hospital in Long Beach, California. Even though these youngsters didn’t really know the BOSTON catalog, they nonetheless appreciated the vibe and spirit of the music, and that he was there singing to them.
As he met and played for more and more of the kids, David realized that the spirit of music and the feeling it communicated channeled a universal healing power that went straight to their soul.
He performed many songs for the children that day, then took special requests, performing for these young patients in their hospital rooms, accompanied by smiling parents. David came away from that visit with a powerful, uplifting and profoundly meaningful emotional experience: “I very much enjoyed bringing live music to patients and their families in these extremely trying circumstances in an attempt to lift their spirits, ease their burden and help them understand they were not alone”.
When he left the hospital he had an epiphany. “I felt as if I were on “Cloud 9”, and had a flash of inspiration that I needed to use music to raise the spirits and hopes of the most fragile among us: hospital patients, their families, and loved ones”.
Thus, the idea of Harmony & Healing was born. The organizational goal is to get as many live musicians in front of as many hospital and hospice patients, as possible, regardless of age, bringing them soothing and heartfelt live music that resonates in their souls, brings them solace and gives them hope for tomorrow.
Website: https://www.harmonyandhealing.org
Founded in January, 2019, Harmony & Healing is a hospital and healthcare facility music charity, and an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization, founded by San Ramon resident and former classic rock band BOSTON band member, David Victor.