Logo for the South Beach Jazz Festival 10-Year Anniversary. The words “South Beach Jazz Festival” appear in bold, gold gradient letters. To the left is a gold saxophone decorated with multicolored abstract confetti. Above the text, "10 Year Anniversary" is written with "10" in white, "Year" in teal, and "Anniversary" in purple. The background is black.
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The Spirit of Goodwill

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A wide-angle, color photograph showing a large gospel or jazz choir and band (Spirit of Goodwill) performing outdoors on a stage for a crowd. The performers are standing on a riser, mostly wearing matching white short-sleeved shirts and black pants. The group includes a line of singers holding microphones, and a brass section seated on the right side playing instruments like the trumpet and trombone, along with one standing member playing a saxophone. The audience is visible in the foreground, with many individuals wearing hats, seated and facing the stage. The setting is sunny and tropical, with large trees and Spanish moss visible behind the stage.

The Spirit of Goodwill Band:

The Spirit of Goodwill Band Biography:

If you ask the members of The Spirit of Goodwill Band what they have wanted all their life it’s one thing; that the world could see their talent. The vocalists and musicians in the band have various physical, intellectual, and psychological disabilities. The members of the band wanted to break down barriers and show what they could accomplish if given the chance, and they did.

Given the opportunity to develop their full potential, the remarkable members of The Spirit of Goodwill Band overcame many of their challenges so that they could inspire others. Their performances provide a positive message to the world about people with different physical challenges, highlighting the best of their abilities. For years they have made music that inspires others to overcome their own struggles.

The program sprang into action in 1987. Through a partnership with rehabilitation professionals and personalized instruction, participants gained the confidence, knowledge and skills to play a variety of instruments. The band occasionally performs at events outside of Goodwill and their performances provide a positive message about people with disabilities. The band participants work at Goodwill jobs and receive training and employment services designed to help them achieve work skills.

The musical experience has had a profound impact on the participants’ lives, helping them develop confidence and feel that they are part of something bigger that gives them an enormous feeling of accomplishment and pride from the joy and satisfaction of making music.

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