Our Journey to Rome
Our journey to Rome started in June 2023. A letter was sent to the Vatican asking if our Hearts for Music musicians would be able to play in St. Peter's Square as part of the Jubilee celebrations of persons of disabilities in April 2025.
In August 2023, we were surprised to receive a reply from the Vatican expressing interest in our orchestra. On March 1, 2024, we were astounded to receive a formal invitation from the Vatican Dicastry of evangelization to perform as part of the celebrations of the jubilee of persons with disabilities on April 29, 2025
Our plan is to bring 12 of our beloved Hearts For Music musicians to Rome to perform on April 29, 2025. We also hope to connect with other special needs communities in Rome to form the largest multinational, multi-ethnic, multi-disabilities music ensemble, playing that day. Follow us on our journey; and show us your love and support along the way!
MEET OUR ORCHESTRA
Valarie Baber – Mother
Joyanna Baber – Daughter
Fave food: French fries
Fave hobby or thing to do: Watching
YouTube Kids videos, swimming/ splash park
Fave song to play with HFM: Ode to Joy and Jingle
Cadreienne Lewis
Favorite food: spaghetti
Favorite hobby: Bowling
Favorite song from HFM: Christmas songs
Ethan Werner
Morgan Werner
Jared Werner
and his wife Sabrina Wernerss
Mark Kristensen
with his mother Jennifer Kristensen
Mark’s favourite food: Chocolate brownies
Mark’s favourite thing to do: Running in his walker,
skiing and water skiing
Favorite song to play with HFM:
Everything especially country
Gabrielle Layton
Favorite food: sushi
Favorite hobby or thing to do:
Drawing, painting, making jewelry
Fave song to play with HFM: Over the Rainbow
and any song from “Wicked”
Jessica Novak with parents
Jack Novak and Susan Novak
Jessica’s favorite food: Ribs
Favorite place to be: Colorado
Fave HFM song to play:
When the Saints go marching in.
Journey Bright
with grandmother Cynthia Perrine
and dog Cooper
Therese Kennerk
Favorite food: Hot dog / Pizza,
Favorite hobby or thing to do: Gimkit
Favorite song: Party in the USA
Kimberly Wallen
with father John Wallen
Joseph Tucek
Fave food: Cane's chicken
Fave hobbies or things to do: acting improv,
kayaking, bugging his three brothers
Fave Song: Any pirate song like
Wellerman or Drunken Sailor