Through this experience, I have learned…

Front of Schnitz with names of performers

We asked our choir members what they learned through the Oregon Symphony collaboration.

Through this experience, I have learned:

  • “… that everyone has a story.”
  • “… that I do have a voice.”
  • “… what can happen when heart to heart, joy and sadness, creation and community all come together to create a message of truth, accountability, and transparency that can lead to change.”
  • “… I’m important and loved.”
  • “… that there is a need for the story of those who struggle to be told! And that through awareness there can be healing.”
  • “… Don’t judge people!”
  • “… we really are one family.”
  • “… that I have a lot to learn from people who have experienced homelessness.
    that love is possible even in the midst of unimaginable suffering,
    that people who have suffered the most perhaps have the greatest capacity to forgive,
    that we are all connected,
    that together we are beautiful and powerful.”
  • “… like I finally have a voice to say what I have to go through in life during the hard times.

Find out how our collaboration with the Oregon Symphony highlighted an important community need:

Oregon Symphony Collaboration

Originally published in our 2018 Annual Report.

By Jillianne Bandstra

Jillianne never grew out of the childhood “But, why?” stage. This insatiable curiosity led her to get two masters degrees (Adult Ed. & MBA). Jillianne can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon than listening to someone’s story and getting a glimpse of the unseen history that we all hold. She believes there is beauty and value in all our stories, even if they’re messy. Outside of her work as our Communications Manager, you’ll find her chasing middle-schoolers in her role as a Youth Director and stepping on Legos left by her two young boys.