Just as music has been a force for social justice, co-directors Margie Friedman and Barbara Multer-Wellin show that music can be a force for social change; this film highlights the first orchestra that seeks to alter people’s attitude towards mental illness and to help audiences realize that mental illness is the disease—not the individual. Featuring Ronald Braunstein, music director/conductor, and his wife Caroline Whiddon, co-founder and executive director of the Me2/Orchestras, Orchestrating Change provides an inside glimpse into the individuals who make up the Me2/Orchestras, their struggles with mental illness, and their joy in being part of a special orchestra.
A gifted conductor, Ronald Braunstein attended the Julliard School of Music, won the prestigious Herbert van Karajan Conducting Competition in Berlin at age 24, and conducted such orchestras as the Berlin Philharmonic and the San Francisco Symphony. While his career got off to a promising start, Ronald experiences bipolar episodes during rehearsals, and, he is finally dismissed. Ronald reminisces during his childhood at times he felt very excited and then quickly he became very sad. At age thirty Ron is diagnosed as being bipolar. When he told his manager of his condition, he expected support but received a dismissal instead.
Living in Burlington, Vermont, Ron meets Caroline Whiddon, an executive director for an orchestra. Caroline received a music degree from the Eastman School of Music majoring in French horn. When she experiences issues with anxiety and panic attacks, she realizes she can’t perform publicly and turns to administration. Caroline is impressed with Ron’s talent, supports him emotionally when he needs it, and soon their friendship evolves into marriage. When Ron comes up with the idea of the Me2/Orchestra, Caroline is enthusiastic and becomes the executive director—performing marketing, fundraising, and scheduling rehearsals. With Ronald’s talent for conducting, his personal connection with Me2 members, and Caroline’s support, the Me2/Orchestra is successful and the couple start a second orchestra in Boston. No audition is required and members include individuals who experience mental health problems, have a diagnosis of a mental illness, or have friends or family members with mental health concerns. Several of the orchestra members are interviewed and relate their struggles with mental health, their joy in participating in the orchestra, and the friendships they have developed. Most important, members feel they can be themselves, as any stigma regarding mental health is absent.
Playing in locations where people are living with mental illness or addiction, the Me2/Orchestra holds concerts at juvenile correctional facilities, juvenile rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and other venues. The group is invited to perform at the Kennedy Forum, an organization founded by Patrick J. Kennedy to advance mental wellness. In the last performance of the film, the combined Me2/Orchestras of Burlington and Boston play at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts. With moving personal stories, wonderful music, and animation, this film is highly recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P.
Included in our list of Best Documentaries 2021.
