Over 30 Participants Complete STROKESTRA® Program with Moving Performance inside Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater

Dr. Phillips Center led program builds confidence, independence and joy

Orlando, Fla. – With certificates in hand, new friendships formed and confidence radiating, over 30 participants brought the crowd to its feet Thursday night inside Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts marked its largest-ever STROKESTRA® session with a powerful final performance—earning a standing ovation from nearly 200 friends, family members and supporters in the audience.

In 2022, the arts center introduced STROKESTRA® with just nine participants. The goal was simple: use the arts to support healing and show just how transformative music can be. Now this innovative program has brought participants and their caregivers from across Florida together through the healing power of music.

In partnership with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra—the visionary creators behind this groundbreaking stroke rehabilitation program—these workshops combine 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 in 2022.

“We’ve been absolutely amazed by the community’s response to this program,” said Kathy Ramsberger, president & CEO of Dr. Phillips Center. “Since we launched, participation has tripled—and the demand just keeps growing. Our team is all-in on expanding these arts and wellness programs so we can reach even more people across Central Florida and build a nationally recognized hub for arts and wellness right here in Downtown Orlando.”

Over the course of the three-month program, Artistic Director Nolan Williams Jr., led over 30 participants and their caregivers to explore ideas and themes such as journey, travel, breath, adventure and more within their creative process.

Using techniques informed by music therapy, physical therapy and mood lifting based on individual and group needs, the team of musicians and clinicians worked closely with the participants to help them build back confidence, independence and joy.

STROKESTRA® requires no prior musical experience, and rehabilitation depends on individual patient needs – including physical therapy, communication, social therapy and mood-lifting.

STROKESTRA® is supported by AdventHealth, the Aland Family, Alison & Graeme Lockwood, the American Friends of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Ernest Hardy, Florida Blue Foundation, Hardy Vaughn & Betty Brady, Hoffa Memorial Foundation and the Pabst Steinmetz Foundation.

For more information on STROKESTRA® and how to support the program, visit drphillipscenter.org/strokestra.

B-roll is available here.

Photos are available here.