Written by: Kirsten Milloy
At Windy Hill Foundation, we believe in the power of collaboration to foster stronger communities. That’s why we are proud to highlight our longstanding partnership with A Place to Be (APTB), a nonprofit organization that harnesses the transformative power of music therapy and expressive arts to create community, belonging, and hope. Follow along as we speak with music therapist Brandon Somers, who shared his insights and experiences working with Windy Hill, highlighting the profound impact this collaboration has had on both individuals and the community as a whole.
Since 2012, A Place to Be has been partnering with Windy Hill Foundation, bringing music therapy services to our community at no cost. The collaboration began with weekly music and movement sessions introduced by co-founders Tom Sweitzer and Kim Tapper and has since expanded to include APTB’s internship program, which includes students from over 12 universities across the country.
Over time, this evolved into an annual tradition where in December, APTB brings music to Levis Hill House, the Foundation’s elderly and young disabled 20-unit property in Middleburg, inviting the Windy Hill community to come together and celebrate the season. “It has truly been a privilege to carry on this tradition” Somers shares, “and I look forward to continuing to involve our music therapy interns and strengthening this meaningful connection each year.”
In recent years, we have had the privilege to work closely with Brandon Somers, Music Therapist at APTB, who has been with the organization since 2020. “I’ve been with A Place to Be for several years now and have the daily privilege of creating community, belonging, and hope through the transformative power of music therapy and expressive arts.” Brandon has always loved theater and the arts, starting with his mother encouraging him to begin piano lessons at a young age “Since then, music has been a through line. I always had a sense that I wanted to cultivate community to match my values.”
Somers first learned about Windy Hill when he arrived in Middleburg in 2020, “Over time, I’ve come to appreciate their deep historical significance and the empathy and understanding they foster in our community. Their mission aligns beautifully with the values we uphold at APTB, making our partnership incredibly meaningful.”
In his years collaborating with Windy Hill, Brandon has immersed himself in our tight-knit community, “I’ve had the privilege of speaking with many residents and hearing firsthand how Windy Hill has transformed lives and strengthened the fabric of the community.”
For APTB, the decision to partner with Windy Hill was rooted in shared values. “At APTB, we believe in the power of music to bring healing, connection, and growth,” says Somers. “Partnering with Windy Hill allows us to make these services accessible to individuals in need, particularly those in underserved communities. It’s a perfect alignment with both of our missions—creating a space for belonging and support through the arts.”
“This partnership perfectly reflects APTB’s mission of creating community, belonging, and hope. By collaborating with Windy Hill, we bring the transformative power of music therapy to individuals who might not otherwise have access to it. Together, we uphold the values of inclusion, compassion, and the belief that everyone deserves to be part of a supportive and caring community.”
Thank you to Brandon Somers, Tom Sweitzer, Kim Tapper and everyone at A Place to Be for sharing our vision of cultivating a community full of love, mutual respect, and compassion. Working with local organizations like APTB plays a vital role in Windy Hill Foundation’s ability to fulfill our mission of providing safe, decent, and affordable housing to low- and lower- income families and the elderly in Loudoun and Fauquier Counties and encouraging self-improvement and self-sufficiency among our residents.
