12 JULY 2025 By Kylie de Best Higher Octave Healing hosted its third annual Battle of the Bands, showcasing the talents of 54 musicians across 12 musical acts – all in support of a meaningful cause. Based in Tempe, Higher Octave Healing is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with diverse abilities and needs through the transformative power of music. Staffed by Board- Certified Music Therapists, the organization helps people of all ages reach their personal goals using music as a therapeutic tool. From early childhood development to hospice and palliative care, Higher Octave Healing supports a wide range of age groups. They also collaborate with community organizations that serve individuals with mental health and behavioral needs. During Battle of the Bands, participants highlighted the Music Therapy Rock Band Program. Each of the 12 groups wrote, recorded, and produced an original song with the help of music therapists, interns, students, and volunteers. These songs were then turned into music videos, which premiered at a special screening at the Pollack Theater in Tempe. Each band’s video reflected a unique theme or story. One group wrote about navigating life with a disability, while another created a fictional road trip adventure. Participant Lexi shared her excitement about the creative process: “We brainstormed a lot and came up with so many ideas, including background effects for the videos.” She added that seeing her band’s video on the big screen was a powerful and emotional experience – a sentiment echoed by many other participants and their families. In addition to the performances, Battle of the Bands served as a fundraiser for Higher Octave Healing. Supporters voted for their favorite act through donations, with the band receiving the most funds crowned the event’s champion. This year’s winning band, “Country,” raised $1,780. The total raised surpassed $6,800, thanks to the generosity of 117 donors. Other fundraising efforts included merchandise sales, a silent auction, and ticket proceeds. The winning band received a custom guitar, and their photo was displayed alongside previous champions at Higher Octave Healing. CEO Shelbe White reflected on the event’s inclusive spirit: “We’ve had individuals who thrive on stage, and others who may experience stage fright or sensory overload, which can be barriers to participation. This event reduces those barriers, and I love seeing all the different ways participants get involved and express themselves.” Outside of Battle of the Bands, program participants continue to make music together, performing live throughout the year. higheroctavehealing.org Mic drops and magic happens at this rock show The winning bands receive a custom guitar that displays their photo and is hung up alongside previous champions at Higher Octave Healing. Those who attended the show at Pollack Cinema were able to buy merch in support of the bands and the organization. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHELBE WHITE P I P E R F E L L O W S Learn more at pipertrust.org/piperfellows © 2025 Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Piper Piper Fellowship Fellowship 1. An opportunity for nonprofit leaders to reach, retool, and revitalize. 2. A Piper Fellowship can be transformational for both the leader and the nonprofit organization. Sentence: Sentence: “It gave me perspective; my Piper Fellowship was life-changing.” [pie-per-fel-oh-ship] noun

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