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1.28.11 ¦ Joyful Noise sings at WHYY
Members of Joyful Noise performing at the WHYY studios in Philadelphia last week. For more photos from the event, click here.
The Joyful Noise choir performed last week at an advance screening of a PBS documentary, which will air on WHYY-TV next month. The 35-member chorusconsists of adults in Bancroft programs and others with disabilities.
Singing to a packed auditorium at the WHYY studios in Philadelphia, Joyful Noise enthusiastically set the mood for “For Once in My Life,” a film about the people reaching their fullest potential through music.
The film follows the Spirit of Goodwill Band, a unique group of singers and musicians. It depicts their efforts to show the world the greatness – and killer soundtrack – within each of them.
The 28 Goodwill band members have a wide range of mental and physical disabilities -- as well as impressive musical abilities. For Once in My Life explores their struggles, triumphs, and the healing power of music, as the band members’ unique talents are nurtured to challenge the world’s perceptions.
“It was fantastic! I loved it,” said Joyful Noise member Todd Emmons.
After the film, Mr. Emmons and fellow singer Ingrid Foster -- who are supported in Bancroft’s Community Services for Adults program -- responded to questions from the audience, along with Joyful Noise Music Director Allison Fromm and several Goodwill executives.
“I thought the documentary was wonderful,” said Elene Kurtzman, whose daughter Jodi is a member of Joyful Noise. “It showed the process of preparing for a production, and how painstaking it is. It showed the enthusiasm and effort, and pats on the back that are necessary to be successful.”
Added her husband, Marshall: “It ties right into the Joyful Noise objective with the same type of success.”
The spirit of the film, which was made in partnership with Goodwill, is also in keeping with Bancroft’s mission: to alter perceptions and help those with disabilities achieve their life goals as valued and respected members of our world.
For Once in My Life will air Feb. 1 at 10 p.m. on WHYY-TV (Channel 12), as part of the “Independent Lens” series.