Cade Martin
Cade Martin
Cade Martin
The AdventHealth Orchestra embodies the transformative power of music, illustrating what it means to make individuals feel whole. This remarkable group consists of AdventHealth team members in diverse roles, each bringing their unique experiences and talents to the stage. Team members in the group serve in a variety of roles, ranging from non-clinical areas like innovation to clinical specialties such as oncology.
Founded by Richard Hickam, director of music and the arts at AdventHealth, the orchestra emerged after the trials of the pandemic as a beacon of togetherness during a time marked by isolation and uncertainty. What began as a small group of string instruments at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic has now grown into a full orchestra which recently had the opportunity to perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
“The Kennedy Center was established to fill a vital gap in America — a national home for music, the arts, education and ideas,” said Hickam. “Similarly, our orchestra serves as a cultural ambassador, representing the diverse stories of our team members at AdventHealth.”
This occasion marked AdventHealth’s first time of being selected in the Capital Orchestra Festival, an exclusive musical celebration that features four orchestras from across the country. “You only get a few opportunities like this in your life to perform with a group like this one,” said Hickam. “It makes you want to slow down time and really be in the moment, to relish in the time, the people, and to do the very best you can.”
The group performed multiple pieces, including “Schindler’s List” and a finale presentation of Saint-Saëns’ “Organ Symphony #3.”
Rose Williams, violinist and nurse at AdventHealth Orlando, shared, “Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony was the most challenging piece the group had ever performed. The standing ovation for concertmaster Paulo Pereira’s breathtaking ‘Schindler’s List’ interpretation left many in tears.”
Before joining the AdventHealth Orchestra, many of the team members in the group had not played since they were young, and did not imagine being a part of a performing group again, especially one that could grace a prestigious venue like the Kennedy Center.
Paul Adeogun, executive director of support services at AdventHealth Orlando and tubist, started playing as an eighth grader in Kenya and continued this passion throughout his college years. “I never thought I would be able to play the tuba consistently again. Now, here I am many years later,” said Adeogun.
Music has a way of bringing people together and helping individuals be present in the moment, while feeling whole. Through music, an unsaid connection is created between people.
Anna Chamoun, M.D., a physician at AdventHealth Altamonte Springs and cellist, explains how the orchestra became like family to her, providing a collaborative space where everyone understands one another. “When COVID-19 hit, being on the front lines of treatment was very stressful, and seeing some of our patients and colleagues dying around us was an overwhelming experience. However, being able to play music and come together afterward was a relief and an unbelievable bonding tactic that made us all stronger,” said Chamoun.
Cheri Carrick, keyboardist and director for employer solutions at AdventHealth, added, “Together, we produce something beautiful that we could never achieve alone.”
Due to the hard work and hours of dedication put into rehearsals on the weekends, the AdventHealth Orchestra gave a breathtaking performance that impacted everyone in the concert hall.
“Seeing the appreciation and joy in the audience was inspiring,” said Sheila Black, clarinetist and lab coordinator at AdventHealth Orlando. “Music has no boundaries — it connects, heals, and brings pure joy.”
Through their shared passions for music and health care, the 65 performers in the group have forged a vibrant, creative community. In it, they’ve found that they are able to amplify the organization’s mission in an impactful way, inspiring and connecting many in the process. “Through music, we continue to extend the healing ministry of Christ, fostering connection, inspiration, and a deeper sense of community,” said Hickam.
AdventHealth | June 2025
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