STROKESTRA® Marks Largest Session Yet
Program has grown nearly fivefold, drawing participants from nearly 900 miles away
Dr. Phillips Center’s STROKESTRA® Marks Largest Session Yet as Free Program Transforms Stroke Recovery Through Music
Orlando, FL - On May 14, more than 40 stroke survivors took the stage inside Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for a culminating performance celebrating the completion of their three-month STROKESTRA® workshop. Friends, family members and supporters attended the moving event, cheering on participants as they showcased the progress they’ve made through music and community.
What began in 2022 with just nine participants has grown to more than 40, drawing stroke survivors and their caregivers from across Florida and beyond. One participant travels nearly 900 miles to attend sessions — a powerful measure of the programs' impact.
STROKESTRA® is completely free to participate and all musical experience levels are welcome. Each session encourages joy, creativity and confidence, tailoring rehabilitation to individual and group needs including physical therapy, communication, social therapy and mood-lifting.
“From the very beginning, we’ve seen just how powerful music can be in helping people connect and feel uplifted,” said Kathy Ramsberger, President & CEO of Dr. Phillips Center. “As we look ahead, the goal is to build a nationally recognized hub for arts and wellness right here in Downtown Orlando.”
Developed in partnership with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, STROKESTRA® combines group music-making with patient-led recovery, guided by professional musicians and AdventHealth’s Rehab and Music Therapy team, who have supported the program since its inception.
“STROKESTRA® gives stroke survivors a space to build confidence, find joy and connect with others through music,” said Erica Kopp, music therapist at AdventHealth. “Programs like this support recovery in deeply personal ways, helping participants find community and feel whole.”
Over the course of the three-month program, Artistic Director Nolan Williams Jr., led participants and their caregivers to explore ideas and themes such as journey, travel, breath, adventure and more within their creative process.
In response to growing demand, STROKESTRA® will broaden its offerings next semester, expanding from two to three sessions— morning, afternoon and evening to better accommodate participants across all lifestyles and stages of stroke recovery.
STROKESTRA® is supported by AdventHealth, Florida Blue Foundation, J. Milton Hoffa and Nellie E. Hoffa Memorial Foundation, June Nelson in honor of Margery Pabst-Steinmetz, Pabst Steinmetz Foundation and Winifred Johnson Clive Foundation.
For information about future STROKESTRA® sessions, please fill out an interest form at drphillipscenter.org/strokestra.