We dream of a world where music is here for everyone, connecting us, inspiring us, and bringing joy and meaning wherever it goes. We are having our Fall fund drive here at ACG and it’s because of our community and supporters that we are able to share stories like this. Click here to learn more about supporting ACG.
At ACG, we believe in the power of music to heal, connect, and transform lives. This mission has guided our work for over a decade, especially through our Music & Healing program, led by ACG’s Director of Education and Music & Healing, Travis Marcum. We’ve recently passed making 100 songs in this program! Here’s a beautiful letter from Travis in celebration of this huge milestone:
I keep you strong. You keep me strong…
It’s a simple sentiment rooted in the idea that everyone needs support, love, and kindness to get through the challenges of being. To me, it’s the recognition that we all experience some chapters of life that present intense hardship and others that bring periods of joy and energy. In the darkness of the lows, I need you. On top of the sunny peaks, I give you my hand.
I Keep You Strong, You Keep Me Strong is a song written ten years ago by a sixteen-year-old mom named Grace for her new baby. It’s now one of over 100 songs that ACG Music and Healing artists have facilitated and written with community members in partnership with over a dozen local hospitals, clinics, and social service organizations. The chorus for Grace’s song has become somewhat of a theme for ACG Music and Healing. It’s why we do the work. It’s the spark that keeps us connected, safe, and strong enough to push through together.
Since 2014, nineteen ACG Music and Healing Artists have spent countless hours with new friends who are navigating things like cancer treatment, mental health diagnoses, addiction, parenthood, and many more. The Artist’s gift is creating a musical pathway for expression. We provide a safe place in song to put intense feelings like joy, pain, despair or loneliness. The participant offers their story, the poetry of their life experience. They make all of the decisions about what they want their song to sound like. And together we recognize the beauty, we all get a little more connected, and we all feel a little better because of it.
As I listen back to each of the 100 songs, I am struck by how precious they are… the individual stories expressed in such a beautiful context. I want to thank every Music and Healing participant for putting your trust in us and making something truly beautiful.
You can listen to our library of Music & Healing songs here.
As we pass ten years and 100 songs at ACG Music & Healing, I’d like to thank all of our friends like you who have believed in us and in the power of music and kindness to do good in the world.
We did this together.