Stanford Thompson teaches music so children can make a difference. He is an accomplished musician and educator who oversees Play On, Philly! In the program, children learn how to play an instrument in an orchestra. Mr. Thompson started the program with three goals in mind: social development, musical excellence, and—most important—fun. Music takes a lot of dedication, discipline, and focus, but Mr. Thompson tells his students that it’s worth it. “It gives them and their communities something to be proud of,” he says. He believes these traits will enable his students to improve their communities. Mr. Thompson was one of seven children. When he was 8, he learned to play the trumpet Stanford Thompson Striking a chord so children can make a difference and it gave him an identity. He studied at Philadelphia’s Curtis Institute, one of the finest music schools in the world. He has played in nearly every state and in countries around the world such as Kenya, Argentina, and Austria. Today, his students give him inspiration to play music. He likes to teach children because they absorb information like “sponges,” he says. Mr. Thompson believes communities are a lot like orchestras. In both, there are many different types of people, each with a voice and something to say. In an orchestra, all of these people learn to play together so that each voice is still heard. Mr. Thompson also thinks that music helps kids to stay healthy. He says that your body makes some chemicals that either make you happy or sad. Some researchers believe music can help your body release endorphins, a chemical that can improve your mood. Mr. Thompson tries to eat healthy foods and exercise. When he was a kid, his dad told him that his health is one of the Illustration by John Bitting, Marshall Street Healthy Bulletin