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