IOH PROGRAMMING

An IoH program typically lasts 2 hours and involves an individualized musical journey of recovery for each venue we go to.  No two programs are alike!  You will find people who have never touched a musical instrument coming up to our musical stage and experimenting with our instruments - trying out the drums, strumming a guitar, or playing the keys on the keyboard.  If our participants wish, we will give basic instruction on beats and chords, or how to make a sound out of a band or orchestral instrument.  We often have people who are experienced musicians who are able to jam with us, and sometimes get the joy of reuniting people with instruments they have not had the opportunity to play in years.  Also, people need not be completely experienced to jam.  We often invite novices up to play drums on our songs so they can learn to keep a beat!  We provide lyrics and/or chords to the songs we do, and let our participants choose the songs they wish to perform or sing along to.  People can come up to our stage and sing the songs they love, getting the chance to perform in front of others, and building confidence and self-esteem.  The audience of people looking on also get to participate as they sing along to the songs they choose.  We alternate between musical experimentation and jamming/sing along time so that everyone gets a chance to participate in a way that is meaningful to them.   Peers teach each other, support each other, listen to one another attentively, and learn new things about each other as they bond together over this musical experience.