“I’m stoked!”: GF Strong client Braydon Erickson pictured with Katherine Wright, music therapist, says he’s excited to play Feist’s guitar — and with that smile on his face, who wouldn’t believe him?
“Everything about it is pretty sweet,” says Braydon Erickson. And, we have to agree.
A GF Strong client, Braydon is referring to playing a guitar autographed by Feist, Canada’s darling of indie music. The guitar is now a prized possession of the rehabilitation centre’s music therapy program, thanks to a recent donation by Phil Legree.
Mr. Legree bought the guitar at auction at the 2012 Music Therapy Ride fundraiser and then donated it right back to the Music Therapy Association of B.C. His only wish? For the guitar to go to a music therapy program where the clients would use it and appreciate it.
Music to their ears: Katherine Wright, music therapist, and client Braydon Erickson are the first to play Feist’s guitar at GF Strong.
Judging from Braydon’s ear-to-ear grin, Phil Legree got his wish. “I’m stoked,” says Braydon. “It’s exciting to play a guitar signed by someone famous like Feist.”
Katherine Wright, music therapist, says she’s noticed that her clients seem more motivated about playing guitar, and about music in general, with the famous musician’s instrument in their hands.
“It’s been so much fun to see their reactions when I point out her signature and they realize that Feist actually touched the very guitar they’re holding!”
Music therapy at GF Strong and other VCH locations is a treatment for rehabilitating, maintaining, and improving the lives of persons with emotional, cognitive, social, spiritual, psychological and/or physical needs.