Dream Orchestra Founder, CNN Hero and Hero to Hundreds of Kids

Ron Alvarez, a CNN Hero finalist, musician and educator is transforming lives through teaching kids to play music in The Dream Orchestra.. Ron shares he went from a childhood in Caracas, Venezuela to changing the lives of refugee children in Sweden. Ron’s story begins when he joined El Sistema, a musical and social program in Venezuela, set the course of his life.

Ron realized he wanted to pay it forward by becoming a music teacher. Eventually, Ron grabbed an opportunity to teach music to kids in an orphanage in Greenland (yes, we talk about what it’s like to actually live in Greenland). After the incredible experience in Greenland, Ron moved to Sweden for a teaching job. Witnessing the influx of unaccompanied minors from Syria and Afghanistan, Ron felt compelled to make a difference with the most powerful tool he had to change lives, the power of music. The lack of funding and language barriers did not keep Ron from starting Dream Orchestra, a sanctuary for young refugees and asylum seekers, offering them a sense of community and belonging through music. Over 400 children have had their lives transformed but also enriched through the magic and language of music.

Ron is an example of the ways following what you were meant to do

CNN Hero video and article

Quotable Moments:

"Music and food always bring you back to your place and to your family."

"Music can transform the life of people. When you feel completely lost or alone, music can empower you."

"I always wanted to make good music. But I also remember... I didn't want to do this the rest of my life. I really wanted to make change."

"We scientifically know that music can provide more oxytocin to your brain and to your body. It makes you more happy."

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• 12:54 " Dream Orchestra started in January 2015 with unaccompanied minors from Syria and Afghanistan
• 23:02    How often did the orchestra practice and how is it evolved today
• 23:57    How Dream orchestras is changing lives through music
• 30:45    Music brings an emotion unique compared to other things in life
• 35:55 " Dream Orchestra has grown from 13 kids originally to over 400 members now
• 42:04     What is it like to live in Greenland