ORLANDO, Fla. — In music, the notes make up the melody. But, on one Dr. Phillips Center stage, the melody than emanates from dozens of musicians is the medication. 

Stroke survivors are taking part in a program dubbed STROKESTRA, which combines patient-led therapy and creativity.

Pioneered by the Royal Philharmonic, brought to Orlando by the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and supported by AdventHealth, the week of workshops culminate with a performance for family and friends at Judson’s Live.

What You Need To Know

  • STROKESTRA program created by the U.K.'s Royal Philharmonic was sporadic in Orlando

  • Supported by AdventHealth, the program at the Dr. Phillips Center is now expanding

  • Stroke survivors pick up instruments in a week of workshops alongside talented musicians

  • Many program participants contend it's been an important part of their healing journey 

  • LEARN MORE: STROKESTRA program

“I love it. It’s so good for the soul,” said Jenni Moore. “It’s given me a lot of meaning in my life. Music, I think, has such an ability to heal stroke survivors.”

Moore’s journey to stand on the stage alongside talented musicians and play the vibraphone is a long and grueling one.

The attorney had eight brain and spinal cord surgeries in her life, and during the fifth surgery, she said that she suffered a catastrophic stroke that paralyzed most of her body. She had to learn how to stand and walk once again.

At a rehabilitation center in Washington, D.C., Moore enrolled in a music therapy program, but contends what she has accomplished with the STROKESTRA program in Central Florida is nothing short of amazing.

“It brings tears to my eyes, 100 percent … for me to get to sit here — not sit — but stand here and dance along with the music as we’re going along, you do see such a change in yourself,” she said.

And while researchers attempt to quantify the benefits of programs like these for patients’ cognitive abilities, speech and movement, Moore said that after so many low notes in her life, participating in STROKESTRA was an undeniable high.

“There’s all the scientific reasons of everything it can do for you … it’s inexplicable the difference it can make until you’re in this room,” she said. “I could’ve never imagined the change it’s made in me.”

The Dr. Phillips Center said that as they expand the program, they continue to look for sponsors.

Their next session, free for participants, will tentatively begin this spring. For more information, visit https://www.drphillipscenter.org/education/community-outreach/strokestra/.