The Philippines Special

Episode 4 of The Music Man Project Podcast, presented by founder and CEO of The Music Man Project charity, David Stanley. This episode reunites the main protagonists who helped establish The Music Man Project Philippines in February 2020: David Stanley, Cathy Greenwood, Paul Cudby, Daunton Todd and Mel Irvine, who officially became the Regional Director for the Philippines during the visit. 

This was The Music Man Project's 5th international expedition in as many years, following teaching trips to South Africa, India, Nepal and the United States of America. When Typhoon Yolanda hit the Philippines in 2013, nurse Catherine Greenwood travelled to one of the worst affected regions of Estancia, Panay Island to help. She was met with utter devastation and spent three months helping in any way she could, from nursing to rebuilding schools. 6 years later, in a meeting at their local Costa Coffee in Leigh-on-Sea (another small fishing town), Cathy explained to David Stanley her plans for “Music and Medicine” in which she would return to Estancia to deliver medicine and The Music Man Project would run a four-day music education programme for children, culminating in a public performance to the local community. 

The host in the Philippines was Melinda Irvine, a remarkable Australian woman who, like Cathy, answered the call to help in 2013. The two met in Estancia and developed a lasting friendship. Mel couldn’t stay away and has spent most of the last 7 years supporting the community after the aid agencies left. She learnt the language, developed connections with local officials, ran activities for children and sponsored families. Mel also adopted a little street boy called Jerry, who lost his family around the time of the disaster. Cathy and Mel are determined and inspirational women whose friendship led to a truly life-changing experience for everyone. 

The world record-breaking Music Man Project provides award-winning accessible music education and performance opportunities for children and adults with learning disabilities across the UK and around the world. These remarkable musicians have performed at the Royal College of Music, the London Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall.

Every podcast includes news, music, interviews and lots of other exciting features and surprises. It celebrates the achievements of all people with learning disabilities from around the world.

To find out more visit www.themusicmanproject.com, follow "The Music Man Project UK" on Facebook, subscribe to David Stanley's blog at www.themusicmanblog.com and subscribe to The Music Man Project's YouTube channel. 

Devised and presented by David Stanley
Produced by Jon Webber 

The Music Man Project, charity no. 1188041
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