Music has a way of producing hope in the midst of hard times. That’s why we decided to bring a little music to you in the middle of these dark winter months. It’s an evening that will be full of romantic original compositions and people joined together in one mission: to eliminate human trafficking in this lifetime. Join us next Friday on Valentine’s Day to hear award-winning concert pianist and guitarist David Templeton perform at a private Black Forest residence with a gorgeous backdrop of the sunset on Pikes Peak. In addition to being a Carnegie Hall performer and a tutor, David is a music therapist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. He understands the benefits of using music to visualize healing and help people realize and cope with fear or pain from trauma.  We asked David a few questions – learn more about him here and RSVP to meet and greet with him next week!
1. Do you only play the piano and guitar?
No, I play 11 instruments! They are piano, guitar, violin, cello, clarinet, bass, drums, banjo, organ, flute and voice (yes, I consider the voice an instrument!) 2. Where do you get your musical inspiration?
First, I let the sounds of the piano – the beauty of each note – carry me away to places in my mind that bring me peace or touch me deeply in some way. When I have found a progression of notes, tempos and dynamics that trigger a memory or a hope for the future, I dial in on those images, translate them and refine them into a song. The beauty of composition for me, is that every time I play a particular song I’ve composed, it brings me right back to that place, that person or that hope for the future. 3. Where is the favorite place you’ve ever played?
It was a memorable occasion to give a concert at Carnegie Hall a few years ago. The acoustics really were amazing! I opened my concert by dropping a pin on stage and asking the audience if they could hear it. They all could, even in the back row! 4. Why are we playing this benefit?
I’m doing this benefit concert for Reclaiming Hope because I have great empathy for anyone who is battling a situation that has been forced upon them. If I can help supply a means for women and children to have someone to talk to about their bullies, I’m going to do it! Especially if I can create that opportunity by sharing my stories and my music in a beautiful concert setting, such as the one on February 14. 5. What bible verse do you turn to when needing encouragement?
I always find my way back to this one: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. When there are people or experiences I don’t understand, this verse reminds me to be an example and never insistent on my own way. Love is patient and kind, and if I can be that way with people, I can make a bigger difference. You joining us next week *IS* making a difference. It’s going to be a beautiful evening in support of the women, men and children we help restore every day. The concert is selling out quickly, RSVP now! See you on Feb. 14!
DiAnna Steele P.S. If you missed our last newsletter, check out our annual report that details how we served trafficking survivors in Colorado and beyond in 2019.
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