To use the power of music to provide healing, raise awareness, and promote positive social change for survivors of sexual violence and intimate partner violence.
The inspiration for The Angel Band Project came from an unthinkable tragedy. In July 2009, a young man crept through an open window in the middle of the night at the home of Teresa Butz and her partner. After repeatedly raping and stabbing both women, Teresa fought back. According to police, her actions saved her partner's life, but cost Teresa her own.
After witnessing the emotionally powerful singing at the funeral from Teresa's musically-talented family and partner, Teresa's lifelong best friends were inspired to record them. Teresa's brother, two-time Tony Award winner Norbert Leo Butz, and Teresa's surviving partner, Jennifer Hopper, joined their efforts.
Their aim was simple: to capture the power in the music they heard to help others heal from the effects of sexual violence. The resulting benefit album not only helped them heal, but gave them the inspiration to create the country's first music therapy program designed to treat survivors of sexual violence.
Using music to break the silence
Co-founder and Executive Director of The Angel Band Project and lifelong lover of music, Rachel is responsible for day-to-day operations of the organization with a focus on growing The Angel Band Project into a meaningful force for healing and social change. Traveling the country, Rachel shares our story of providing hope and healing to survivors, while bringing our music therapy program to new cities and regions. She has been the keynote speaker at conferences large and small and was recently honored as a Woman of Achievement, honoring the efforts of volunteer women.
Jean had the idea for making the benefit album that launched the The Angel Band Project while driving in her car listening to tunes. Passionate about using the power of music to promote healing and social change, Jean uses her background in marketing and creative strategy to help drive initiatives and programs for the organization. She lives in Chicago with her two daughters.
Dawn spent the early part of her career in bank and franchise marketing, and marketing communications agencies. After several years of staying at home with daughters Sarah & Katie, she was inspired to “join the band” and put her marketing, project management, and event planning background to use for a cause in which she strongly believes. In her spare time, Dawn enjoys gardening, watching her girls perform on violin and Irish fiddle, and exploring other cities with husband, Rik.
Aurielle Macchi received her Bachelor of Arts in Music from Missouri State University in 2017 and has since been working towards her Master of Music Therapy at Maryville University. Music is one of Aurielle’s greatest joys in life; she is honored to be able to unite her love of music and passion for music therapy with such an important cause.
Nina Alden grew up in Seattle, WA and developed a passion for music while singing in choir and performing in musicals. She received her BM in vocal performance from the University of Washington and her MA in music therapy from NYU. Nina currently lives in Manhattan and works as a music therapist at NYU Langone Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital. She is thrilled to be a part of TABP and is excited about expanding services in New York City.
(314) 240-5525
rachel.ebeling@angelbandproject.org
We have many volunteer opportunities in our three key cities:
St. Louis, Seattle and New York City.
If you are interested in volunteering, have questions or just want to learn more, please fill out the form below.
