Attending any event cosponsored by Chase the Music is sure to change your life. There is nothing else like this organization out there, and you’ll never regret following up with the founder, Clark Hodge.
As the volunteer Executive Director and Founder of Chase the Music - I must admit that I'm biased.
Chase the Music gives children battling critical conditions love, hope, strength, and joy. We do this with original music - composed and performed just for them.
The impact of Chase the Music programs begins with the child. The children that we write and perform for are undergoing situations that no child should. The gift of a personal commissioned piece of music is like no other. It's unique and created just for that child. At the conclusion of her premiere, Lauren, 5, leukemia, undergoing chemo, looked up and stated: "Clark, I'm never going to stop smiling". Kati's mom reports that whenever Kati is sad, they play her piece, and that makes her happy.
Artists are closely aligned with the child to facilitate the creation of very special music. This alignment gets in their heads and they are changed by the experience. It's truly emotional, where many cry for the child. They spend time with the child to be part of each other's lives. After his Chase premiere, Tofu Rives, percussionist, said, "Music is driven by emotion, and this is music at it's best".
Audience members are deeply touched and share in the outpouring of love at a Chase the Music event.
A Chase the Music piece is a gift to the future. We are producing timeless music with incredible meaning. As the music is performed, played, shared - future performers and listeners enjoy and are moved by the music and the story behind it.
We create tears and smiles.
Adults cry. Performers, audience members, parents... I've personally cried for every child we've done a piece for.
More importantly, the children smile. As Lauren said, "I'm never going to stop smiling"!