INSPIRING FILM, FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE, PREMIERE'S IN MIAMI Story courtesy of Lourdes Little Photos by Mark Moorman Miami film goes behind the scenes with a unique band of singers and musicians whose spirit and musical talent far outshines their disabilities. For Once in My Life is an infectious, expectation-defying look at the inspiring Spirit of Goodwill band, a unique assembly of singers and musicians, all with a wide range of mental and physical challenges, who share an uncanny gift for music, joy and friendship. The film follows the band, made up of program participants at the Goodwill Industries of South Florida in Miami, as their determination, talent and dedication takes them from the rehearsal room to the concert stage. For Once in My Life premiered at the Coral Gables Art Cinema, 260 Aragon Avenue in Coral Gables on Friday, Nov. 12.   The talented 29 members of the Spirit of Goodwill Band, in Miami, Florida are all living with varying degrees of physical and mental challenges -- but you’d never know it by listening to them.   The pianist, Christian, is blind and autistic; lead singer Terry never fully recovered from being dropped by his father when he was 14 months old; and drummer Sam’s development was stunted by his mother's efforts to hide her pregnancy.  With the enthusiastic encouragement of Dennis Pastrana, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of South Florida, the rehabilitation team and their dedicated music director, the members of the Goodwill Band have grown from one piano into an orchestra with voice, percussions, keyboards and a brass section.  They work tirelessly and their musical success has transformed and enriched all aspects of their lives.   The Goodwill in Miami graciously opened their doors and allowed the camera to follow the band as they progress from concerts at a veteran’s hospital to larger public performances, and through humor and at times, tough love, we get to know the members, meet their families and visit their homes. They are discovered by Miami Mayor Manny Diaz and music impresario Emilio Estefan and the band is invited to play the concert of a lifetime -- the U.S. Mayor’s Convention being held that year in Miami.   It’s a dream gig for the Spirit of Goodwill, with an audience of over 1,000 people, made up of mayors from 440 American cities, their families and special guests.  The film follows the band as they prepare for this great honor, an arduous process that becomes a test of patience, compassion, and faith. The film concludes with a performance that leaves the audience cheering.  Winner of Audience Awards at the South by Southwest, Nashville, Sarasota and Heartland Film Festivals and the Jury Award in the Port Townsend & Sonoma and Music Impact Award at the Nashville Film Festivals, For Once in My Life is an eye-opening look at the tremendous potential of people with disabilities and the power of music to transform lives. To learn more about the film, visit the For Once in My Life website www.4onceinmylife.com which features detailed information on the film, including an interview with the filmmaker.
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