Music Therapy: The Magic of Red Balloons

*If you like this video, won't you please click the "thumbs up" button that pops up after 10 seconds? :D*

This is my entry for Project Report in telling a 3-minute story about a compelling person. I choose Jennifer Allison Tran, one of the most inspirational individuals I have had the privilege of having in my life.

Jen is 21 years old and has already done so much to make a difference in the lives of children through an organization she founded called Red Balloon.

Named after a foreign, French film about a boy who became best friends with a red balloon, Red Balloon embodies the idea that something so small could make a big difference in the life of a child.

Red Balloon is a huge benefit concert Jen plans every November and hosts at UC Davis with soon-to-be well-known musicians from YouTube or at cafes. Past musicians include Gabe Bondoc, Cathy Nguyen, Tyler Weinrich, Donna Ibarra, Ruby Ibarra, and Anna de Guzman.

On February 26th, 2010 she organized a mini Red Balloon at the UC Davis Children's Hospital in order to continue supporting the music therapy program. Jen has seen the miraculous ways in which music affects hospitalized children and wants nothing more than to generate more interest and funding.

*Sam's* name has been changed for confidentiality reasons
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This is my first documentary I have ever done and although it was difficult to cut down 2 hours of footage into a short, 3 minute piece in ONE day (due to the event being yesterday), I am very blessed to have been witness to Jen's event.

I am very thankful to have met her.

This documentary wouldn't have been possible without the wonderful people at the UC Davis Children's Hospital who allowed me permission to videotape and interview, the wonderful musicians (Tyler Weinrich, Anna de Guzman, and Donna Ibarra), AggieTV (for allowing me to borrow equipment to shoot this), and of course, Jennifer, my inspiration.

A huge thank you to the Pulitzer Center, YouTube, and Sony for partnering together to give young, aspiring journalists, like myself, this wonderful opportunity!

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Project Report
• Pulitzer Center
• YouTube
• Sony
• Jennifer Allison Tran
• Red Balloon
• Music Therapy
• UC Davis Children's Hospital
• Tyler Weinrich
• Anna de Guzman
• Donna Ibarra
• UC Davis
• AggieTV
• Do Something Award
• $100
• 000
• Nicki Sun
• child
• children
• saving lives

[DANGtrisha]

What's the first song that Tyler Weinrich sings?

[nickisun]

"Live High" originally by Jason Mraz :D

[norcalskater97]

:)

Great job, Nicki! And thank you, Jen, for everything you do.

[nickisun]

Thank you so much!

[junshien]

Mmm.. you already know what I think.

Also, I totally see why she's your bff. :)

[nickisun]

You're the best, Junshien!!!

[sitaxnojo]

loveloveloveeeeeee. proud to have been a part of this from its founding what, 4 years ago? <3

[ryojikun]

YAYYY :)

[CloudJunn]

omg, about to cry.

[AztecKiddM]

2 dislikes =[

[Seagazer81892]

I considered being a music therapist, but in the end, I am now studying to be a physician assistant. :) This is a VERY touching story though and kind of makes me think about it again.

[kimoballer]

Next Red Balloon Concert is coming up! Saturday, November 20th, 2010 at 5pm at the Science Lecture Hall 123 at UC Davis. More info at projectredballoon(dot)org

[Coolbrithree]

I'm Bri.

I'm 15.

And I've wanted to be a music therapist since I was 12.

God bless her.

[htjester]

Thanks so much for posting this video!

Is there a website for Red Balloon?

(Hey Nicki, it's Hope. :P)

[LRW96LIVE]

all the other vids are balloon fetishes lol, to the right

[viidii151]

it's so touching :) def loveeeee it :)

[mrscience101]

Jen, This is great, I'm going to show it to class!