For Once In My Life - The Story of an Extraordinary Group of Talented People


For Once In My Life is a touching heartfelt documentary about a band of 28 singers and musicians who have a wide range of mental and physical disabilities. What they also have is incredible musical abilities that most of us can't reach to. The film explores the struggles and triumphs, and the healing power of music, as the band members' unique talents are nurtured to challenge the world's perceptions.


Here is the background of the main characters (taken from For Once in My Life)

Intercut between concerts and rehearsals, individuals are revealed. The audience will understand Terry, the blind and damaged lead singer / saxophone player who was dropped at 14 months and never fully recovered mentally and physically, but definitely emotionally, as he is one of the most inspiring, positive persons alive.

Christian, who has autism and is blind, is an incredible pianist. Although with a slight stutter, he eloquently describes his wishes to become a famous musician where the whole world will hear him play.

Nancy is another main character with mental slowness. She is a soprano with a strong New York accent, and is seen running her own household where she is the main caregiver and breadwinner of her two older mentally handicapped siblings.

Sam, the drummer, could not develop properly in his mother's womb, as she tried to conceal her pregnancy. With many physical and mental problems at birth he has grown into an entertaining but serious adult. The band has helped him to grow socially and contain his internal anger. He's recently proposed to one of the vocalists, Patricia, and together they have dreams of a life together and having a family. Other band members have problems with behavior and coping in general, and risk being removed from the band during this trying period of preparation for an important concert. The film shows the strong bond that drives them to work harder to prove themselves as musicians.


How did this project develop? To answer that, we'll have to ask who is Javier Peña?

Javier Peña started working part-time as a choir director in Miami at Goodwill. A couple of months after working there he noticed that many members of the choir group had a great sense of pitch and a good sense of rhythm. He then proposed Mr. Pastrana, Goodwill’s C.E.O. to create a band, he loved the idea and the band was created.

About Goodwill Industries International:

Goodwill Industries International enhances the dignity and quality of life of individuals, families and communities by eliminating barriers to opportunity and helping people in need reach their fullest potential through the power of work.

Read more about Goodwill, For Once In My Life and join their communities below:

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