Power of Expression
When singer-songwriter Jordan Lally lost his father to suicide, he knew he could no longer hide his own struggles with anxiety & depression. It was time for him and his bandmates in Big Infinite to get “real” and share their own mental health struggles with the world. The "Power of Expression" is an "unplugged" style music documentary and/or live presentation that shares Big Infinite's healing journey and uplifting music, while providing inspiration and wellness techniques to help others find hope, purpose and healing.
Together with The Ed Lally Foundation, the Big Infinite share “Power of Expression” to advocate for mental health and suicide prevention. The Ed Lally Foundation is a non-profit organization.
Watch the trailer below:
Stream “Power of Expression” EP by Big Infinite:
Why is "Power of Expression" needed?
The time is now to focus on the mental health needs of our young people. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among teenagers. According to the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Data and Trends Report, more than 1 in 3 high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2019, a 40% increase since 2009. And 1 in 6 youth reported making a suicide plan in the past year, a 44% increase over ten years. The mental health needs of our young people have only been heightened by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. And in December of 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General, issued an Advisory on Youth Mental Health Crisis.
Bring “Power of Expression” to Your School or Organization!
"Power of Expression" has been shared at school assemblies and community events in and around Maryland since 2018. Big Infinite have shared their mental health message in various formats nationwide, including collaborations with AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) and Hope Squad (peer-to peer suicide prevention). We look forward to partnering with you!
"Power of Expression" Options:
Option #1: Screening of “Power Of Expression” Documentary
Option #2: Screening of “Power of Expression” Documentary and Live or Virtual Q&A w/ Jordan Lally
Option #3: Screening of “Power of Expression” Documentary with Live Music and Q & A w/ Big Infinite
Option #4: LIVE Presentation of “Power of Expression”
How do I learn more?
If you are interested in learning more or how to bring the Power of Expression to your community, please reach out and contact us, or Heather Bond, Program Manager, here.
Testimonials:
“The Power of Expression messaging around mental health awareness and suicide prevention was delivered in a manner that broke down the stigma traditionally associated with any discussion of the need for mental health support. The "Stand Up If You Know Someone ..." activity was very eye opening to all of us as it highlighted the number of young people who are struggling with mental health needs. The music and stories shared by Jordan, Andre and DJ were relatable, relevant and inspiring to all students and staff.” — Christie Edelson, Coordinator of Guidance Services, Cecil County Public Schools
“I could not have imagined the assembly going any better and we have heard a lot of over-the-top positive student feedback. Actually, just about everyone, including faculty and staff, have told us how grateful they were to hear your story and the message of practicing more mindfulness and simply being present.”
— Jake Hollin Vice Principal, The John Carroll School
"Your presentation at our Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore have been incredible! Your group’s voice is so needed for our youth in today’s world. I would highly recommend you to any elementary, middle or high school. Your message resonates with all. Thank you for sharing your journey!"
-Karen Murphy, Associate Superintendent Archdiocese of Baltimore
“I loved the assembly! It showed that we are not alone, and it was very helpful to me personally.”
— Middle School Student
“My main takeaway from the Power of Expression is that students are ready for these conversations, and they are only being held back by the adults in their lives setting up these boundaries for when it's "appropriate" to have them and when it isn't. Everything about the Power of Expression helps to remind us that we're all human beings who feel feelings, and these human reactions/feelings aren't put on hold just because you enter a school building.”
— Emily Batten, Ed.S., NCSP, Nationally Certified School Psychologist, Fallston High School
“Jordan’s story has a powerful message of hope for all students and helps to shine a light on an issue impacting all schools.”
— Michael Thatcher, Principal C. Milton Wright
“I believe the use of music and meditation provides an example of not only how to help yourself flourish but also to connect with others. It goes to show there are many possibilities for how to combat mental illness and continue to turn it into a positive.”
— Abby, CMW 12th grade student
“You guys were awesome! We wanted to create an event that would open up conversation on mental health but also provide a message of understanding, empathy, support and hope. Jordan and the Big Infinite’s involvement in the planning and execution allowed us to celebrate the ways we can reach positive mental health rather than just outlining what mental illness looks like. The weaving of music, storytelling and personal experience really resonated with a lot of students and has been the catalyst for more open and meaningful conversations regarding mental health within our school.”
— Brian Tully, Friends & Family-CMW Advisor
"The "Power of Expression" made me feel like I wasn’t alone in what I’m feeling. Also it helped me realize that even though everyone puts up a positive front, they could be completely falling apart on the inside. Lastly, it motivated me to talk to someone about what I'm feeling and how I can cope with it."
— JCS 9th grade student
Ed Lally Foundation Mission
To advocate for a proactive approach to mental health & suicide prevention through accessible practices of meditation, mindfulness, authentic self-expression and community connection. Donate to support Ed Lally Foundation.
Big Infinite
Big Infinite is a nationally touring acoustic rock band comprised of Jordan Lally (singer/songwriter), DJ Fritzges (multi-instrumentalist) and Dre Toney (drums, vocals). Big Infinite shares a message of hope through their music and the platform their music provides. All band members are QPR (Suicide Prevention) and Mental Health First Aid certified. Follow Big Infinite.
“We believe that honest expression - creative, conversational and therapeutic - will help to remove the sense of isolation that so often exacerbates struggles with mental health and create a profound sense of connection. Through personal practice, we also know of the evidence-based healing power of mindfulness upon the brain. We believe in accessible present-moment practices of self-awareness to foster healing and improve coping skills & resiliency, helping folks to “weather the storm” in moments of crisis and prevent suicide.” ~ Jordan Lally
