Q & A with virtuoso flutist Ron Korb

Mental Health Q & A with virtuoso flutist Ron Korb

We take pride in showcasing only the best presenters and artists at the High Notes Gala for Mental Health which is coming up on May 6th at the Flato Markham Theatre. Grammy nominated for his CD Asia Beauty, virtuoso flutist Ron Korb is one example of these amazing artists. Visit his website to find out more about his impressive list of awards, discography, movie appearances, collaborations and amazing concert career that has taken him all over the world. We asked Ron a few questions to see how his life has been touched by mental illness. Here are the answers in his own words:

How has mental illness affected your life?

RK: In the arts there are many people fighting depression and various disorders. Most people find a way to function effectively. However, I had a coworker who was bipolar that kept it hidden. After going off their medication their mood turned hostile and lead to some terrible and traumatic conflicts. Having no experience with this I didn’t know how to react.

Did you ever feel ashamed about the subject and avoid talking about it?

RK: Not really but when we are not mentally ill ourselves it is easy to talk about the way it affects others. However, the people I know personally who have had a mental diagnosis have always tried to hide it or dismiss it as untrue. I think we should realize that mental illness can visit all of us. For myself I would like to develop some self awareness so when and if it comes, not to shy away from it but seek help. If you acknowledge and confront a problem you already have 75% of the problem solved.

Why do you think there is so much stigma towards mental illness but not (for example) cancer, diabetes and heart disease?

RK: I think the reason why there is so much social stigma is because the subject is shrouded in mystery. Also the behaviour of mentally ill people can lead to a lot of misunderstanding and uncomfortable social interaction. I believe many people feel if someone has mental illness it is probably their fault as opposed to cancer where they are clearly seen as victims. Mentally ill people fear losing their jobs and relationships but in trying to conceal their disease it often leads to even more problems.

How and why does music have power to change that?

RK: Music can help on many levels. Music is very stimulating to the brain and certain types of music can have a calming affect. Recently, I see it is more formally recognized in stress management and relaxation to promote healing.

How can we ALL help change that?

RK: I think just bringing a greater awareness of the topic to the mainstream will be incredibly helpful. Especially hearing the success stories of how people dealt with the disease and kept their family and friends close.

Why should we?

RK: Because mental illness is so wide spread. One in five Canadians will experience some kind of mental disorder in their lifetime.

Why did you agree to participate in the High Notes Gala for Mental Health?

RK: I am proud to be involved with the High Notes Gala because I think it is bringing the necessary kind of awareness to a broader public. I have already learnt a lot about the subject personally just from the last two events and would encourage many people to attend, especially if they have a family member affected. I enjoyed playing with the other artists who all were of very high calibre.

What other projects are you working on… before and after May 6th?

RK: I am producing a new album which hopefully will be ready by the fall.

ABOUT THE HIGH NOTES GALA: You can hear Grammy nominated flutist Ron Korb perform at the High Notes Gala for Mental Health on May 6th at the Flato Markham Theatre. Dan Hill is the headlining performer and speaker. Comedienne Luba Goy will host the evening. Members of Ballet Jorgen, pianist Robert Kortgaard, author David Barber, Mental Health Recovery Expert Bill MacPhee and Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist Adam Enchin, will join them and enlighten us. Mental health support organizations will display in the lobby. For tickets call 905.305.SHOW or visit highnotesavante.ca.

ABOUT HIGH NOTES AVANTE: High Notes Avante Productions Inc. is a non-profit organization (charitable status pending) using the power of words and music to educate and humanize mental illness. We strive to erase stigma and hope those attending our events will understand mental illness better while perhaps also starting the recovery and healing process for themselves or a loved one with an inspiring evening of music and storytelling.

For more information contact Ingrid Taheri at 416.605.8915

March 2, 2017 by highnotes Uncategorized

Humanizing Composers and Mental Illness

Did the fact that Beethoven insisted on using 60 beans—not 59 and not 61—to make coffee mean he had OCD? Did Tchaikowsky die by choice or by accident? And Schumann? Would he have left heaps more wonderful music if he had lived today and been diagnosed as bipolar and received proper treatment rather than spending his last years in an asylum?

Those are some of the questions that musician, journalist and internationally bestselling author David Barber may address as he speaks at the May 6^th High Notes Gala for Mental Health at the Flato Markham Theatre.

Barber’s many books—including Bach, Beethoven and the Boys with over 150,000 copies sold internationally over the last 25 years—were written because he wanted to humanize the composers he studied at Queen’s University.

“We studied the historical significant dates and technicalities of the composers and their music but I was interested in the stories behind them… what made them approachable. Not only were they writing this wonderful music—in the background they dealt with many of the issues we all are dealing with— illness, love, marriage breakups and financial struggles, “ he says. “Beethoven was embarrassed and depressed as he lost his hearing.”

“Composers and musicians always want to better themselves from their last composition or performance and as a result deal with stress, pressure and anxiety,” says Barber. “But artists are also lucky that they have a way of expressing how they feel through the music and that can be therapy in itself,” says Barber who attends choir practice once a week, whether motivated to go or not. “Once I am there, my mood lifts and it is a real pick-me-upper. Performing a piece of music with emotional content helps you work through your own emotions.”

Although he considers himself a generally balanced and mentally stable human being, Barber’s life hasn’t been immune to mental illness.

“We have all been touched by mental illness and I have as well. Although people close to me have stories to tell, they are really not my stories to tell. But it has affected me and that is why I have been so interested and supportive of the High Notes Avante events.”

People in Barber’s life suffered from addiction, bipolar disorder as well as post-traumatic stress. Proof that although statistics say at least 1 in 5 are suffering from a mental illness at any time—we are all affected.

“I often felt guilty and still feel guilty that I haven’t been able to do more to help these people, although I’ve tried. Taking advantage of my counseling benefits at work, and participating in support groups has helped me move forward. It helps to know that you are not alone and that others have been through something similar,” he says.

So why don’t we share our stories and talk more?

“With other diseases and injuries we know we didn’t bring it on ourselves. But with mental illness there is a false perception that people have brought it on themselves,” says Barber. “I am guilty myself. Even if I have moments when I have felt a little depressed and antsy… I personally can make myself feel better and snap out of it by going to see a funny movie or something like that,” he says. “People tend to think if we who are “normal” can snap out of it so can they.”

We don’t understand the depth and seriousness of real anxiety or fear.

“If you break your arm it is obvious that you need to go to the doctor and get a cast. The medical professionals may say you were clumsy and should have been more careful but they do not blame you for breaking your arm,” he says. “When you are really depressed—I mean Capital D depressed—it is the same. It is not your fault. I have to keep reminding myself (and I’m pretty sympathetic) that mental illnesses are just that, illnesses. Just as with a broken arm, they need care and time to heal.”

ABOUT THE HIGH NOTES GALA: You can hear David Barber speak at the High Notes Gala for Mental Health on May 6^th at the Flato Markham Theatre. Dan Hill is the headlining performer and speaker. Comedienne Luba Goy will host the evening. Members of Ballet Jorgen, Grammy nominated flutist Ron Korb, pianist Robert Kortgaard, Mental Health Recovery Expert Bill MacPhee and Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist Adam Enchin, will join them. Mental health support organizations will display in the lobby. For tickets call 905.305.SHOW or visit highnotesavante.ca.

ABOUT HIGH NOTES AVANTE: High Notes Avante Productions Inc. is a non-profit organization using the power of words and music to educate and humanize mental illness. We strive to erase stigma and hope those attending our events will understand mental illness better while perhaps also starting the recovery and healing process with an inspiring evening of music and storytelling.

ABOUT DAVID BARBER: David W. Barber grew up in Ottawa and graduated with a music degree from Queen’s University, Kingston. He has been a writer, critic, copyeditor and editor in various capacities at the Kingston Whig-Standard, the Globe & Mail (Toronto) and the National Post (Toronto).

As a composer, he has written two symphonies, a Requiem mass, a mass for choir and jazz quartet based on the music of Dave Brubeck, numerous short chamber and choral works and various vocal-jazz arrangements. He continues to sing, with the Toronto Chamber Choir, with a small chamber choir called Cantores Fabularum and with various other Toronto choirs on occasion.

He is the author and editor of more than a dozen books of musical humour and literature, including Bach, Beethoven and the Boys, When the Fat Lady Sings and If It Ain’t Baroque. His varied career has also included brief stints as a roadie for Pope John Paul II, a department-store Santa Claus, a Kissing Bandit, a publicist for Prince Ranier of Monaco and (with his band Barber & The Sevilles) a backup singer for Avril Lavigne.

February 13, 2017 by highnotes Uncategorized

Dan Hill’s voice added to mental health movement

“Music has a way of breaking down people’s offences and capturing their heart faster than just about anything else,” says Grammy-awarded singer-songwriter Dan Hill. ”A message sent through music will get through a lot quicker than words alone.”

The artist behind such hits as “Sometimes When We Touch” and “Can’t We Try” hopes his voice will impact those touched by mental illness as he shares his own experience in song and words at the May 6^th High Notes Gala for Mental Health.

“We have a moral obligation to reach out and help people that are suffering from mental health issues. We shouldn’t deny or sweep mental health issues under the rug but accept their challenges and confront them full on and deal with them as honestly as possibly,” he says.

“Mental illness has played a huge role in my own life… It is a part of me,” he says as we talk in his Toronto home after most recently performing in Florida.

Dan’s mother, Donna, was diagnosed as manic-depressive when he was ten. “It was traumatic to have her taken away to the hospital,” he says, “not knowing if and when she would return.” During the two months she was hospitalized, Dan, sister Karen and brother Lawrence, wrote her letters every day. Through it all, his Dad, human right specialist Daniel G. Hill, remained loyal and supportive. His mom had another breakdown, when Dan was in his mid-twenties.

He experienced the power of music when he sang for her in the piano room during hospital visits. “The other psychiatric patients would come into the room and sing along. I could feel the healing as it was happening. There is something very primal and physical about singing and music. It is incredible soothing, relaxes the brain and increases production of feel good emotions and endorphins.”

According to statistics from the Canadian Mental Health Association one in five Canadians live with mental illness every year but only about a third are willing to talk about their own mental health, due to stigma. Dan says he wasn’t ashamed about mental illness when it came to his mom, his aunts and his sister who also went in and out of institutions every couple of years after first being diagnosed as bipolar at 29.

Then, two and a half years ago his sister Karen died a tragic accidental death.

“The trauma of my sister dying made me flip out over the edge. I had a bit of a breakdown and ended up in a psychiatric hospital and that was when I was finally diagnosed as bipolar myself.”

“I know it is not healthy to feel ashamed but nevertheless I felt ashamed when I was diagnosed. I felt ashamed for the behaviour I exhibited when I was manic. I felt I had this glaring weakness,” he says. “I’ve worked very hard to come to terms with this over the last two years, so my shame has lessened.”

“Not talking about mental illness is a bigger problem than the illness itself,”

he says now as he plans to write a book about the experience. “I was in denial most of my life and several psychiatrists missed the diagnosis blaming it on the normal quirkiness of a musician. I went undiagnosed for 40 years.“

Dan hopes he can help others and get them talking and paying attention.

“Many people look at mental illness as a sort of laziness or vanity because you are not displaying any physical differences. They don’t see it or understand it. They think because you look normal that your behaviour or challenge of mental illness is a weakness of character flaw and don’t accept it as being an actual illness, which of course it is.”

“We have an imperative to be compassionate and empathetic human beings. We are all connected through our humanity. We all have different challenges. If we accept certain other challenges then it is natural that we should be able to accept the challenges of mental health,” he says. “The more loving and supportive we are of the person suffering the better the chances of the person healing,” says Dan who will perform several Valentine’s concerts in the Philippines before headlining at the Flato Markham Theatre in May.

Dan Hill will sing and speak about his experience at the High Notes Gala for Mental Health on May 6^th at the Flato Markham Theatre. He will be joined by Comedian Luba Goy, members of Ballet Jorgen, Grammy nominated flutist Ron Korb, pianist Robert Kortgaard, author David Barber, mental health recovery expert Bill MacPhee and Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist Adam Enchin. Mental health support organizations will be displaying in the lobby. For tickets call 905.305.SHOW or visit the Flato Markham Theatre website.

February 6, 2017 by highnotes Uncategorized

HIGH NOTES GALA A BOLD STATEMENT ABOUT WHAT AFFECTS EVERY FAMILY NOW

On Thursday, April 28^ththe third High Notes Gala for Mental Health takes place at the Richmond Hill Centre for Performing Arts.

“Music and words have the power to create social change, inspire, empower and give hope,” says Ingrid Taheri, Artistic & Executive Director of High Notes Avante Productions Inc—a non-profit that aims to help those touched by mental illness survivors move forward on higher notes. “One in five Canadians are impacted by mental illness but one in five people do not have the courage to reach out for help and that is what we want to change. We aim to empower, educate and shatter the stigma that surrounds mental illness. Simply put, we want to save lives.”

Celebrity support for the gala has been wonderful with Luba Goy and Jean Stilwell, Classical 96.3 FM host and singer cohosting this year. Ms. Goy’s father committed suicide when she was young and Jean says “I can’t think of a more beautiful and compassionate way to honour the journey so many suffer and struggle with than by raising awareness and creating empathy through musical expression. It’s a direct line to love.”

Opera singer Richard Margison and his daughter Lauren are participating for the third time. “Mental health is an issue that should be important to everyone. It touches a personal chord for me as well,” says Lauren who has suffered from depression. “As a society we can’t turn a blind eye to something that affects so many. When it is ignored it forces those affected to feel there is something wrong with them and that it’s their fault—which is absolutely not true. We need to create awareness for it to get better.”

In the current issue of the WholeNote, Dr. David Goldbloom, Professor of Psychiatry at U of T and Senior Medical Advisor at CAMH says “the High Notes Gala for Mental Health is not an historical exegis as much as a bold statement about problems facing every Canadian family now. It is a conversation about the present, not the past, about those people close to us, not distant admired musicians.” He will talk about Celebrating Talent and Fighting Stigma and Bill McPhee, publisher of SZ Magazine and Anchor, will talk about Life after Mental Illness.

Paul Radkowski, pianist and Founder of LifeRecoveryProgram will give insights into some composer recovery stories, while also performing. Mercedes Cheung, one of the youngest violinists to play Carnegie Hall, and Grammy-nominated flautist Ron Korb are also among the performers. Julie Everson will perform spoken word poetry and members of Ballet Jorgen will entertain with a Beatles number. Two winners from the North York Music Festival’s High Notes Gala category will perform music by a composer who had a mental health issue.

“We use words to share the success stories of everyday heroes and to showcase celebrities that have moved forward after mental illness touched them. We use music because it speaks to us all and can penetrate our hearts and express what there are no words for. Music can heal our souls when medicine can’t. Music is entertaining—but can also draw attention to issues we are not aware of,” says Ingrid who was just awarded a “Leading Women in the Community Award,” by the Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues for her work with High Notes Avante.

About a dozen mental health organizations are available to connect with the audience in the lobby. FOR TICKETS: Call 905.787.8811 or visit rhcentre.ca. Doors open at 6:30 pm with the show starting at 7:30 pm. the Richmond Hill Centre for Performing Arts is located on 10268 Yonge Street in Richmond Hill, north of Major Mackenzie Ave.

April 13, 2016 by highnotes Uncategorized

JEAN STILWELL lends voice to mental health gala

As a beloved radio host Jean Stilwell has interviewed many respected personalities including Yo Yo Ma, Maya Angelou, Barbara Hannigan Toronto Symphony Orchestra Concert Master Jonathan Crowe and Broadway’s Audra McDonald.

As a mezzo-soprano, Jean has performed Carmen, her signature role, in over 25 productions all over the world and received rave reviews for her interpretations of the famous Gypsy. She has performed, recorded and toured with a diverse group of respected artists, including upcoming fellow High Notes Gala for Mental Health performers opera star Richard Margison and pianist Robert Kortgaard.

She hosted our first High Notes Gala in 2014 and is reprising the role on April 28^th at the Richmond Hill Centre for Performing Arts with Luba Goy as cohost.

“I am happy to lend my voice to help raise awareness of mental Illness, to help remove the stigma and fear and to enjoy an evening in celebration of mental health and the power to heal,” she says as we chat at her favourite Queen Street café.

“Singing is a language that is very centering and grounding. Through it I find myself, my worth and peace of mind. Music is an expression from the heart. I can’t think of a more beautiful and compassionate way to honour the journey so many suffer and struggle with than by raising awareness and creating empathy through musical expression. It’s a direct line to love.”

“Dealing with emotions such as discouragement, anxiety, loss, isolation, fear, pain, and/or sadness is something most of us can relate to. But sometimes the feelings become overwhelming and bring with them a despair that can be so unbearable that some people might try to bury those feelings through substance abuse—losing control by living a life of self-harm and wanting to end it however they can,” she says. “That’s mental Illness.“

“Artists are highly sensitive and intuitive and able to access their emotions to tell the story. As singers/actors we have a responsibility to know ourselves to the best of our ability. We research our hearts in order to allow others to understand theirs.”

“By dealing with and facing my own emotions, I have learnt more about myself and am able to access more about my life and my relationships. I’ve worked through the feelings and even embraced them in order to be a better artist,” she continues.

“Our job as artists is first to tell the story hoping others get peace of mind and experience something beautiful. We help the listener hear and feel what is going on deep inside them. Then when their tears start flowing when they listen to, for example a Brahms symphony, they allow themselves to feel.”

Jean is not your stereotypical opera singer—whatever that is. She enjoys David Bowie, the Rolling Stones, Coldplay and the lesser known bands Snarky Puppy and Sam Roxy along with her favorite classical composers Richard Strauss, Wagner, Mahler, Shostakovich and Prokofviev. She has several tattoos, including one of the goddess Psyche. Psyche is beauty incarnate. She is also the butterfly of transformation and the bridge between heaven and earth. She teaches that the soul is developed through suffering and commitment to love.

Just like Psyche and the butterfly Jean is constantly transforming herself and learning. “I think it is important to never feel that you are a finished product”, she says. Surprisingly she is taking the occasional singing lesson from her respected teacher, Neil Semer. “There is so much more to singing than singing. It is very therapeutic to walk in to the room and talk about what’s going on emotionally before even making a sound. A huge part of singing is doing the emotional work,” she says. “Mental and emotional problems are not something that just go away. You have to learn to deal with them to get to a place that is healthy.”

Jean is lending her voice to the High Notes Gala to support the many mental health organizations that offer help—and to create awareness and lessen the stigma surrounding mental illness. For tickets call 905.787.8811 or visit rhcentre.ca.

HIGH NOTES AVANTE PRODUCTIONS INC is a non-profit organization that is using the power of words and music to help those touched by mental illness move forward and connect them with the organizations offering help and support in recovery while sharing the success stories of mental illness survivors. Other HIGH NOTES GALA performers include opera singer Richard Margison and singer/songwriter daughter Lauren, Grammy-nominated flautist Ron Korb, 14-year-old violin prodigy Mercedes Cheung, pianist Robert Kortgaard, Ballet Jorgen and spoken word artist Julie Everson. Dr. David Goldbloom of CAMH will speak and Bill MacPhee of MagPie Media will also share his story of living with schizophrenia. Paul Radkowski, Founder of the LifeRecoveryProgram will give insights to some composers’ lives. Young winners participating in the High Notes Gala at the North York Music Festival (where Jean Stilwell also is an adjudicator) will also participate. Together we can move forward on higher notes!

For tickets call 905.787.8811 or visit rhcentre.ca.

Please visit www.highnotesavante.ca to find out more about HIGH NOTES AVANTE PRODUCTIONS, to volunteer, donate or sponsor us. You may also follow us on Facebook.

April 13, 2016 by highnotes Uncategorized

Comedienne Knows Tragedy Too

Luba Goy jokes that she would never have been let into the country if the immigration authorities knew she would grow up and make fun of the politicians. Also an immigrant I never though the funny lady I watched on CBC’s Air Farce when I first came to Canada would cook me lunch one day.

Still, somehow, twenty-eight years later we find ourselves savouring arctic char in her Riverdale home while conversing about life.

Both our fathers attempted suicide with the difference that Luba’s succeeded while mine was stopped and received help. Luba was only 12, an only child, and didn’t find out about the tragedy until much later. She gained more knowledge about words like suicide, depression and mental illness in her late teens. I also didn’t find out right away, and when I did, we didn’t talk much about it.

You may ask why?

“People are afraid and uncertain about what they don’t understand,” says Luba. “The topic is seldom discussed. It wasn’t until a good friend was hospitalized—when her world imploded—that I witnessed the serious side of depression. She had disclosed her Clinical Depression, but was very good at hiding her illness. Thankfully, after six weeks of therapy, and a great team of doctors, my dear friend is enjoying getting “her life back,” she continues. “It’s important to have empathy, listen, and be supportive.”

Our paths crossed when Luba agreed to host High Notes Avante Productions Inc.’s concert last year. The beloved comedienne was a huge success and is returning for the third High Notes Gala for Mental Health at the Richmond Hill Centre for Performing Arts on April 28^th. The evening promises a variety of beautiful music, powerful storytelling, dance, poetry and laughter.

The High Notes Gala showcases composers, artists and everyday heroes who—just like Luba Goy and myself—have been touched by a mental illness and moved forward. The idea is that by celebrating the successes we can remove stigma, give hope and save lives. Music and words are powerful in creating social change and have been used in the past to change attitudes regarding AIDS and raised money for a variety of worthwhile causes.

Why not mental illness?

The need is huge with one out of five Canadians suffering from mental illness and almost everyone knowing someone who does, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). Still—sadly— only 60 per cent seek help due to the stigma. (Canadian Mental Health Commission) The good news—and the one that motivates us to spread the messages of hope with the High Notes Gala—is that if we open up and seek help, it can make a difference in over 80 per cent of depression cases. (CMHA)

“The entertainment and the music will draw the audience in,” says Luba. “Then when they get the facts from professionals and hear the positive testimonials they will be less afraid of the topic and hopefully reach out for help if and when needed.”

Luba, self described as “the fundraising Queen”, is also supporting Margaret’s, an organization supporting women reentering the community after suffering from mental illness. There are many wonderful support organizations available and the High Notes Gala aims to help by providing free display space to connect them with our audience during intermission. We have donated 25 per cent of our tickets to not-for-profit support organizations in order to empower their clients and elevate the status of all mental illness survivors. “If we can save only one life it is all worth it,” Luba and I agree.

Luba is cohosting the gala with mezzo soprano Jean Stilwell of Classical 96.3 FM. Speakers include Dr. David Goldbloom, Senior Medical Advisor with CAMH and Professor of Psychiatry at U of T (as well as co-author of the newly published “How Can I Help?”) talking about Celebrating Talent and Fighting Stigma. Bill McPhee, mental health advocate and publisher of MZ Magazine and Anchor, is speaking about Life After Mental Illness. Performers include Grammy-nominated flautist Ron Korb, 14-year-old virtuoso violinist Mercedes Cheung, pianist and founder of the LifeRecoveryProgram, Paul Radkowski who is performing Ravel and sharing composer recovery stories, operatic tenor Richard Margison and daughter Lauren will surprise us with some of their favourites, members of Ballet Jorgen will perform a Seargent Pepper Beatles number, Julie Everson performing spoken word poetry and a winner or two from the North York Music Festival’s High Notes Gala category will perform work by a composer with a mental health disorder. Pianist Robert Kortgaard will serve as accompanist for the evening.

For tickets call 905.787.8811 or visit rhcentre.ca. To find out more about High Notes Avante Productions Inc., visit highnotesavante.ca or call Ingrid Taheri at 416.605.8915.

April 13, 2016 by highnotes Uncategorized

Using the power of words and music

High Notes Avante is a soon to be charity using the power of words and music to help those touched by mental illness move forward.

“We use words to share the success stories of everyday heroes and to showcase celebrities that have returned to normal and perhaps even happy lives after experiencing a mental health issue and–of course–to communicate to others,” says Ingrid Taheri, Artistic and Executive Director of the non-profit that is working hard to elevate the status of mental illness survivors.

“We use music because it speaks to us all and can penetrate our hearts and express what there are no words for. Music can heal our souls when medicine can’t. Music is entertaining—but can also draw attention to issues we are not aware of!”

“One in five Canadians are impacted by mental illness but one in five people do not have the courage to reach out for help and that is what we want to change. We aim to empower, educate and shatter the stigma that surrounds mental illness. Simply put, we want to save lives.”

Paul Cappuccio, the Clinical Director of Mental Health, Family Medicine, Emergency Services at Markham Stouffville Hospital and a Lecturer at Queens spoke at a recent High Notes Avante concert: “Tonight is a shining example of the power of a positive vision. Tonight we again try to wrestle mental health stigma to the ground. Word by word…note by note….,” he said. “Stigma left unchallenged drains our voices and spirit. Data from the Mental Health Commission of Canada suggests that 60% of people with a mental health problem or illness won’t seek help for fear of being labeled. Sixty percent live with illness and suffer from it in silence. We would not tolerate that with any other health condition,” said Cappuccio who also is a Director on High Notes Avante’s Board.

“Several studies have found that media plays a key role in shaping public opinions about mental health and illness. Mainstream media frequently feature negative images and stereotypes about mental health conditions and these portrayals have been strongly linked to the general public’s development of fears and misunderstanding. Did you know that the prevalence of violence perpetrated by people with mental illness is less than the general “normal” population, but listening to mainstream media, you would never know that,” Cappuccio adds.

Let us set the record straight! High Notes Avante is planning the third High Notes Gala for Mental Health, to take place on April 28^th at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. Tickets, starting at only $35, are available by calling 905.787.8811 or visiting rhcentre.ca and would make great Valentine gifts. Anchor magazine’s Bill MacPhee is one of the speakers together with Dr. David Goldbloom of CAMH and Julie Everson who performs spoken word poetry. Singer Jean Stilwell of Classical 96.3 FM is cohosting the concert together with Luba Goy of CBC’s Air Farce (Seen in photo above together with Ingrid). They have both been touched by mental illness and will help inspire you and others to move forward on higher notes. World-class operatic tenor Richard Margison and Grammy nominated flutist Ron Korb, violin prodigy Mercedes Cheung are also part of the program. Ballet Jorgen will perform a Beatles number and there is much more to send you on a rollercoaster of emotions.

A multitude of mental health organization will be available in the lobby, including The Krasman Centre, Kinark, CAMH, Blue Hills the Canadian Mental Health Association and Magpie Media. “There are many wonderful mental health professionals and organizations available to help people through the recovery period and we are working hard to connect them with our audience,” says Ingrid.

For more information or sponsorship opportunities, please call 416.605.8915 or visit our website at www.highnotesavante.ca.

Ingrid Taheri

Artistic & Executive Director,

High Notes Avante Productions Inc.

416.605.8915

February 1, 2016 by highnotes Uncategorized 0

Inspirational Poem – Escape

Pitter patter, pitter patter

Dropping like rain

Sun peeking between weightless clouds

Shining through a drop upon a leaf

Imagining I’m in a place that’s so beautiful my eyes can’t stand to see

Brilliant, vibrant colours rushing at me

Streaming through my eyes

I pretend I’m not alone in this empty grey room

Where greedy faces peer through the door with clipboards

And they laugh at me

Write down all my mistakes and what life could have been

I pretend that I’m you in a life so normal and mundane

So simply happy

No anguish everyday

I pretend that I have enough and am not always in desperate need

It’s just too much for me to exist this week

I see a stretching rainbow and a waterfall so thin

So it’s weak enough to stand under it

Without getting swept away

But still strong enough to sweep over your hair and cascade down your face

I pretend I’m there and not alone in this empty place

The walls are so thin I can hear the screams and cries

Scraped so raw and stretched so thin

In here we wait to die

And there is no where to hide from the eyes that pry

I struggle to compose my facial gestures

Not let anxiety transform my gentle faceInto a hideous grimace

As I try and hold down these 90ft walls of sheer pain

I watch them congratulate one another on each accomplishment

I’ve been frozen here so longI can now only twitch

I hit my face off the grey walls of my mindI am trapped in here

I try to give people directions to find me

But they get lost just past the gate

I let them in further and trust them

Alas they pierce me in a new place

Riddled with holes and unkempt

I remember how happy I was as a carefree kid

I try to recapture a sense of freewill

A moment so divine

When I wasn’t chained in here

Memories didn’t leave me frozen in time

A delicate little girl searching through a Christmas wish book

Circling things and hoping they’d arrive

New things to hold in my arms and call mine

I hold my head in my handsI bite on my lip so the pain I can withstand

Why do I hurt so much I do not know

Why am I locked in hereHow do I ever open the door

My insides feel so twisted by pain

Sit with me awhile and let’s play a game

Its called escape and I must do it eventually

Break out of this prison I’ve created just for me

I hear myself screaming in the other room

He is beating me again

Fists that rage has consumed

A little girl is crying

Her daddy doesn’t care

He terrifies her with his anger

She always feels so scared

None of this is an excuse to be locked away

But I am guarded now and always kept safe

No one can touch me now that wolves guard the gates

But they will rip me to shreds too

So I imagine a place

A little boat on which I float away

The cool air brushes over my faceI closes my eyes, rocking in my little boat over caressing waves

Opening my eyes to the nights sky

Marveling how the stars surround every inch of space

But I always awaken alone in this roomIn this empty place

Trying to reach out and touch others

But I always hide away

Because people can’t really see me

Just an empty face

A sharp grimace of pain

Deep brown eyes that float on my face

Tears fill them if I feel

So I’ve put up such a blockade

A child lost in a dreamy facade

Reality can break

Gravity slips and time shifts

Alice walking through Wonderland’s maze

Disassociated and disassembled

My fingers tremble tugging on these restraints

I open my eyes and rip them away

Run with me now past the judgmental stares of people who never had a clue

Outrun the wolves at the gates

We can do it me and you

Let’s break through the fear and isolation

Show them how it feels in our prisons we create

Let’s knock down the walls of stigma smothering us

Let’s truly escape

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August 10, 2015 by highnotes Uncategorized

Dreaming is good!

To sit around and dream is not usually an activity that is encouraged, although most of us love John Lennon’s song Imagine. But at High Notes Avante we know we wouldn’t be where we are today if we hadn’t allowed ourselves to explore the possibilities of our dreams.

We dreamt of putting on an inspirational musical event that would help those touched by mental illness move forward.

Although humble at first, our dreams are now growing bigger and bigger. Thanks to the support of many old and new friends we are striving to really change how society treats the topic of mental illness.

Mental illness affects one in five Canadians directly and almost everyone indirectly. Still, due to stigma we are scared to open up and admit it. Mental illness is generally given a bad rep in the media and many suffer in silence afraid of being labeled crazy.

Our dream is to change that. And we feel that we have made some progress. Even the members on our own Board of Directors are opening up about their own struggles in a manner they wouldn’t when we first grouped up. The wonderful thing is that 80 per cent manage to overcome or live with their illnesses and disorders. Help can be found! (We dream for it to reach 99 per cent!)

In a society where we worship celebrities, High Notes Avante is showcasing those successfully living with mental illness to prove to the world it is OK. Although it may seem unbearable right now your issues may be treated and you may live a normal life again. Mental illness survivors are to be as respected and celebrated as cancer and heart transplant survivors because they suffer just as much—if not more.

The outgoing Ontario Bar Association president, Orlando Da Silva, is our hero for sharing his story of living with constant depression. So is Canadian tenor Richard Margison, who sang in support of singer-songwriter daughter Lauren, who has struggled with depression. Spoken Word Artist Julie Everson uses her talent to express what life with mental illness can be like. All give hope to others that they again can find joy despite their condition, whether it is depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder. (Watch a synopsis of our last concert here!)

By showcasing their talent and stories we will destroy the stigma and slowly open up for a society where our mental health is valued as much as our physical health.

We may be dreamers but we are not the only ones… Other dreamers have used the power of words and music for the advancement of many other great causes before us: (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benefit_concert)

The time has come for mental illness!

Please visit highnotesavante.ca to donate or get involved.

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July 30, 2015 by highnotes Uncategorized