Upward Notes

04/30/2026

The PERMA model, developed by Martin Seligman, is a framework for well-being and happiness consisting of five core elements: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. It aims to foster flourishing by cultivating joy, "flow" in activities, strong connections, purpose, and goal achievement

P - Positive Emotion: Feeling good, experiencing joy, gratitude, and hope.
E - Engagement: Being fully absorbed in tasks ("flow").
R - Relationships: Having supportive, loving connections with others.
M - Meaning: Serving a purpose greater than oneself.
A - Accomplishment/Achievement: Pursuing goals and experiencing a sense of mastery.

04/28/2026

Leah Latorraca.

P — Positive Emotions.

Joy, interest, gratitude—held alongside everything else.

Not instead of the hard moments, but with them.
Music helps us notice.

04/27/2026

Every Upward Notes gathering is collaborative - but this one went a little further.

With Awakening Karim, Sarasota Contemporary Dance, SPAACES, Artist Series Concerts Sarasota - and a gallery filled by our community - we shared something that only happens when let our collective guards down.

Gathering and collaboration sit at the heart of what we do. That, and having a good time along the way!

04/23/2026

"Playing for those who may never step inside a concert hall gives our music a deeper purpose than words can fully capture. When we perform in these spaces, it’s not just about the notes—it’s about connection. You can see it in their faces, in the way their emotions rise and spill over as the music reaches them.
In those moments, the music becomes something greater than us. It pushes us to play with more honesty, more heart—to give more of ourselves than we thought we could.
And often, we leave quietly, with tears in our eyes—overwhelmed, humbled, and deeply fulfilled. Because we were able to bring something real, something powerful, to people who needed it. And that changes us every time." -Chung-Yon Hong, violinist

04/18/2026

Thank you for your generosity! This was our first Giving Challenge and we had no idea what to expect. Well! We are blown away by your generosity, love, and enthusiasm.

We visited The Pines, All Star Children’s Foundation, hosted a livestream gathering, and collaborated at SPAACES with, Sarasota Contemporary Dance, Karim Manning, and Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota.

Cheers to our community and the generosity that sustains it!

04/16/2026

Donate 👉 https://www.givingchallenge.org/organizations/upward-notes-inc

04/15/2026

Happy Giving Challenge day! We wish everyone success and well-being, especially our arts community. Have fun, be well, and thank you for supporting Upward Notes.

04/15/2026

04/14/2026

Yesterday we gathered at Ballard Elementary with Key Chorale’s Keynotes Express.

Students, voices, and music meeting in the same room - Our happy place!

12/17/2025

Sleigh Ride in the festively decorated TownSquare!

12/17/2025

Another of our many Holiday concerts this season! 🎄

12/17/2025