In Western culture, most adults see music as something to consume, not create. This passive approach, far from the participatory norm in many other cultures, contrasts with how children instinctively engage with music, singing and playing without inhibition. This talk explores how we lose this natural connection to music, why it matters, and how reclaiming it can help build a more connected society and strengthen social bonds across generations. Cheryl Costello is a board-certified music therapist, performer and teaching artist who has spent nearly 30 years working with children and music. Specializing in early childhood, she focuses on music’s role in creative confidence and social-emotional learning. Through her work, she encourages people of all ages to rethink music as a shared, lived experience. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Gaspard Espitallier, docteur en pharmacie et diplômé d'HEC, combine une expertise en santé avec une passion pour le sport et l'innovation. En tant qu'entrepreneur et cofondateur de Mauna, une startup spécialisée dans l'optimisation des performances sportives à travers l'analyse des données athlétiques, il transforme chaque défi en une opportunité de croissance. Finisher d’un Ironman en juin dernier, il met en lumière l'importance de la résilience dans l'accomplissement personnel et professionnel. Dans son talk, Gaspard explore, à travers un prisme scientifique, la façon dont le corps et l'esprit réagissent face aux refus, et comment la résilience peut transformer ces refus en leviers de réussite. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

The topic of Culture as we have learned to know it has become mainstream and very predictable. Using cultural dimensions, values and equality we develop self awareness of our own culture. Yes, our own culture, not someone else’s culture. Its only then that we can begin to create better interactions in situations where differences exist. By identifying your own cultural dimensions and how they affect the ways you interact we dive into a multicultural adventure that goes much beyond race and language. How do you define your culture? How do you explain to others what your culture looks like? We can explore culture in a profound manner that will help us not only understand ourselves but impact how we interact and understand those around us. Madelyn Jimenez-Torres formerly Rodriguez has lived in Winchester for over 30 years where she resides with her 2 teen daughters.Originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania and of Mexican and Puertorican heritage, Mady is fluent in both English and Spanish. She currently works as a discharge planner for Valley Health’s Care Management Department and is also an ESL instructor at Laurel Ridge & Shenandoah University where she teaches culture and equity to First Year Students. Her community involvement in the education and medical sectors have afforded her opportunities to learn about the barriers/challenges in many populations as well as the understanding of culture and diversity. Mady is on numerous boards throughout the community and provides input on cultural awareness, diversity and inclusion. She is proud to be a product of Winchester Public Schools (WPS), attended Laurel Ridge Community College, formerly LFCC, later transferred to ODU for her bachelors degree and then received a Masters in Human Services from Walden University. She considers it an honor to share her learned experiences with other to cultivate meaningful interactions and relationships in all sectors throughout the community. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Often, we say sorry to ensure offense, which could lead to inharmonious conditions for love and belonging, was not taken. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, our need to connect is so strong it lowers anxiety and depression, helps regulate emotion, leads to high self-esteem and empathy, and improves our immune system. Neglecting our need to connect, puts our health at risk. To fulfil this need for belonging, the words, “I’m sorry” have become the easiest way to grant quick closure over uncomfortable situations and unintentional offenses. But, THINK AGAIN and remember “I’m sorry” also teaches lessons. Andy Vipperman is a community servant. He serves on the board of directors for the Winchester-Frederick County Youth Development Center and Opportunity Scholars. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hampden-Sydney College, a Master of Arts in Human and Organization Development from George Washington University, and is a Ph.D candidate in Organizational Leadership at Shenandoah University. In addition to his work with the U.S Government, Andy is the co-founder and President of LegacySynthesis, a human and technology capability company. In 2016, LegacySynthesis founded the Legacy Charity Fund- a fund that has facilitated over $100,000 in donations to 29 non-profit organizations since inception.Andy loves the Commonwealth of Virginia and lives in Winchester, Virginia with his wife, two children, and is surrounded by his family and friends. A man of deep and abiding faith, Andy lives by three rules and humbly states he lives in an abundance of blessing, and, for that, he's not sorry. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In creative problem solving, the phrase “think outside the box” can initially lead to solutions that disregard parameters, forcing us to take them into consideration later. What if we placed more value on the box itself? By first identifying and understanding not only our constraints, but also our resources and individual strengths before jumping into brainstorming, we can unlock our most creative ideas. True creativity must be relevant, not random. Creativity needs a box. Amanda Potter is a creativity thought leader and educator dedicated to helping students and adults build creative confidence. As the Associate Director of Educational Experiences at Destination Imagination, she designs hands-on challenges that empower learners to develop problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation skills. With a decade of experience in creative education and global tournament leadership, Amanda’s mission is to demystify the creative process and prove that with the right tools, anyone can generate bold, innovative ideas. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

We have all had moments when, in that time of deepest trouble, a piece of music, a breathtaking view or even something as simple as a cat purring has given us a feeling of solace and calm amid the storm. What is it about those moments that allows us to hit the pause button and step into a safe space for a short while, and then emerge feeling calm, refreshed and able to face the world again? Musician Darci Gamerl shares her journey from trying to fit into the conventional classical musician mold to becoming a creative catalyst, composing musical scores to reach into our inner spaces and create space and time to experience flow. Bel Canto Duo, Darci Gamerl and David Downing perform a short piece, inviting us to engage, relax, put the world on pause for a few moments, and give ourselves the grace and space of time, to listen, absorb, and reflect. Maybe see a sign, to change, that change is possible, that we can be that change. Bel Canto Duo comprises of English horn specialist, Darci Griffith Gamerl with looping artist and cellist David Downing. Darci Gamerl's groundbreaking work in music has taken her around the globe. A composer, producer & musician, Darci founded Bel Canto Duo with cellist, David Downing. The duo works collaboratively, writing impactful, soul-moving music. An activist for positive, impactful change in the classical music world, Darci is a frequent guest speaker & writer. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx