Seven: Living and Learning at Ranch Ehrlo Society debuts at Darke Hall
Music Therapy participants from Ranch Ehrlo Society’s Supported Living Program (SLP) and youth Group Living Treatment Services (GLTS) are proving that music has no barriers, and that it belongs to everyone.
Participants have poured their hearts into an original production titled Seven: Living and Learning at Ranch Ehrlo Society. More than a musical, the performance is a celebration of courage, culture, and community.
Inspired by the Seven Grandfather Teachings, the production supports a wraparound approach to Indigenous cultural learning that is accessible, inclusive, and thoughtfully adapted to meet diverse learning needs. Over the past several months, the group has done far more than memorize lyrics, they have explored the deeper meaning of each teaching – reflecting on how love, respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility, and truth show up in their own lives.
The musical production will be led by Melanie McDonald and Emma Cameron, certified music therapists, with the support of Directors Natasha Anderson, Joey Panko, and Janet Miller.
"This is a big step for many of the participants. While they’ve shared music within the welcoming walls of Ranch Ehrlo, cheering each other on during peer performances, stepping onto a public stage is a new and exciting experience,” explained Melanie. “Their hard work and growing enthusiasm speak volumes of their courage and their belief in themselves – and we couldn’t be prouder.”
Seven: Living and Learning at Ranch Ehrlo Society promises to be a beautiful celebration of exploration, education, and engagement highlighting the incredible impact of music therapy and cultural programming at the agency.
Ranch Ehrlo’s music therapy program has flourished in recent years, thanks in large part to the generous support of the National Music Centre (NMC) Music Therapy Initiative. Through grant funding, NMC has helped expand programming to reach more than 175 individuals across a wide range of programs, ensuring that the power of music continues to grow at Ranch Ehrlo.
This spring musical offers the community an opportunity to be part of the magic – and the music. We invite you to join us on April 14 at Darke Hall to celebrate these incredible people. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the curtain rising at 7 p.m.
A silver collection will be accepted, with all donations matched by the NMC Music Therapy Initiative, and with thanks to the generosity of the Jim Pattison Foundation — doubling your impact and helping more Canadians experience the healing power of music.