Ode to Joy: The Story of Brad Humphrey

Thursday, September 29, 2011 by Jessica Di Santo
Music can entertain us. Music can bring us to tears. Music can make us exercise longer. Music can make us cheer. Music can help us remember. Studies show that music can even heal.

And music has the power to distract, in a good way.

Zach De Pue and Brad Humphrey

That's what Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster Zach De Pue was reminded of when he visited Brad Humphrey in the hospital. Brad is a teenager who plays tennis and the violin. Tragically, Brad was one of many severely injured during the Indiana State Fair stage collapse in August. Brad is a fighter: he is in physical therapy to try and walk again.  He's also in music therapy.

Zach surprised Brad in his room, and the two began playing the violin together. This was all recorded by our local CBS station, and Brad's story has now spread to many other markets all across the country.


Music helps teen fair victim rebuild: wishtv.com

It was quite symbolic to have Brad and Zach play Beethoven's "Ode to Joy," as Zach used that as an opportunity to tell Brad about other musicians who faced challenges, struggles and even tragedy themselves. Beethoven became deaf. World renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman contracted polio at the age of four. Zach himself lost his mother at age six, and he shared with Brad that music was a good distraction during that tough period in his life.

A distraction.  Brad seemed to respond to that.

It was a great honor to meet this young man. On behalf of Zach and the musicians at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, I hope all of our concertgoers feel the power and value of music: for healing, for entertainment, for emotion, for memories and even for distraction. And I hope Brad keeps up the fight -- the ISO will be with him all the way.

Comments for Ode to Joy: The Story of Brad Humphrey

Thursday, September 29, 2011 by Joy Ellen Kinney:
My parents had season tickets to the ISO for years, and now I share season tickets with three dear friends. I am proud of the ISO for so many reasons, but reaching out to Brad touches my heart in a very special way. He and my good friend, Andrea, were just two of many that were critically injured that night. They both have a very long and difficult path in front of them, but things like a visit from Zach makes the days a little brighter. Thank you! I will cheer a little louder next Friday night. :) By the way...Ode to Joy is one of my most favorite songs. :) Sincerely, Joy Jongewaard Kinney
Thursday, September 29, 2011 by Jessica Di Santo:
Thanks Joy. I'm so sorry to hear about your friend Andrea too. Please give her my best.
Friday, February 17, 2012 by Ron Toothman:
Brad I would like to know how you were able to get to speak to the senate committee, I too would like to have the chance to tell them of the heartache the stage collapse has cost me, my daughter Meagan was of the 7 killed and this incident has ruined my life and would love the opportunity to tell these people. Our prayers are with you in your healing process and am very thankful that you lived through this awful incident. Any information you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely Ron Toothmen

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