Music’s Healing Power: CSUN Wind Ensemble Brings Holiday Cheer to Incarcerated Women
Music has a way of transcending boundaries, transporting listeners to a world where anything feels possible. This holiday season, the California State University, Northridge Wind Ensemble will be sharing that unifying power with those who might need it most – the women of the California Institute for Women in Corona.
For over a decade, the talented ensemble has performed yearly concerts within the prison walls. Cancelled only briefly due to the’I’ll be there, we must remember that penal institutions separate individuals from so much, including the simple joy of live music,” says S. “I still remember the impact of performing for these women. A woman approached after just our second concert, “It was the first time I’d heard live music in 40 years – not counting religious services or music within a class setting. We often eleven
take it for granted, but experiencing live music is something truly special.
Lawrence Stoffel, director of the Wind Ensemble and Professor of Music
at California State University, Northridge, sees this event as much more than a casual performance. It’s a chance for his students to understand the profound impact their music can have.
“We don’t play for ourselves,” Stoffel states with conviction. “If driven by self-interest alone, these students wouldn’t dedicate themselves to study music at a university, sacrificing so much time and effort. They perform because they want to connect, and to truly connect, one needs to understand ‘why’ behind the ‘
music.
He explains, “Almost all art, all music, reflects the human experience. Our past, present future, the triumphs and defeats, our search for meaning. Music touches us all. It’s a universal language. However, for those experiencing hardship, those who might be battling their demons,” he pauses, adding, “those who have lost a part of their humanity, music’s ability to
touch a soul is somehow richer, more potent. This concert, it’s as much for the guards and staff as it is for the women. It reminds them of shared
humanity.
In 2013, the ensemble brought that shared humanity with their first performance. Stoffel fondly remembers the eclectic mix of Titles: “It begins with classic holiday tunes. You could feel the excitement building each time we finished a piece. Herlad during ‘Silent Night,’ I had my back to the audience, so engrossed in conducting.
But then I heard it – voices, soft at first, then growing. These were admired Hief, not just inmates. They were women, who wanted to be reminded
of the beauty around them.”
“As they sang along. For
one precious hour, that auditorium turned into a place filled with hope,” he says. ” The response was overwhelming – cheers that rivaled convention. There’s no other way to put it.
That feeling of connection wasn’t confined to the audience. “We, both the students and I, were changed that day. It was a life-altering reminder of the power music holds to heal, to connect.
It was a privilege,” reflects Stoffel, “A reminder that touches the performers, not just the audience.”
According to Professor Stoffel, what type of lessons do his students learn beyond musical technique through this program?
## The Healing Power of Music Behind Bars
**(Intro Music)**
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re diving into a powerful story about the transformative power of music.
Joining us is Professor Lawrence Stoffel, Director of the CSUN Wind Ensemble, who, for over a decade, has led his students in performing holiday concerts for incarcerated women at the California Institute for Women.
Professor Stoffel, thank you so much for being here.
**Professor Stoffel:** Thank you for having me. It’s a truly inspiring program, and I’m happy to talk about it.
**Host:**
Tell us about the origin of this annual tradition. What inspired you to bring theWind Ensemble to the California Institute for Women?
**Professor Stoffel:** Well, it began over ten years ago with a simple desire to share the joy of music with those who might not have easy access to it. As musicians, we understand the power music has to uplift spirits, transcend boundaries, and connect people. We felt that sharing our music with the women at CIW could be a meaningful experience for both them and our students.
**Host:** And the impact seems undeniable.
You mentioned a woman who hadn’t heard live music in 40 years.
Can you share any other anecdotes illustrating the profound impact this has had?
**Professor Stoffel:** Absolutely. We often hear from the women afterwards, expressing how deeply moved they are. Music can evoke strong emotions and memories, and for those who have been incarcerated for a long time, a live performance can be a truly transformative experience. Sometimes it’s simply the feeling of being remembered and acknowledged, which can be incredibly powerful.
**Host:** Your students are clearly learning valuable lessons beyond musical technique through this program.
**Professor Stoffel:** Precisely. This isn’t just about playing notes; it’s about understanding the impact our music can have on others and using that music as a tool for empathy and connection.
It’s a humbling reminder that music is a universal language that can bring people together regardless of circumstance.
**Host:** What a beautifully stated summation.
Professor Stoffel, thank you for sharing your story and shining a light on the importance of art and music within the prison system.
**(Outro Music)**
**Host:** That was Professor Lawrence Stoffel, Director of the CSUN Wind Ensemble. For more information about their upcoming performance at CIW, visit the CSUN website.