harmony. what does music bring to your life? >> music brings to my life everything. >> reporter: it ronald braunstein was once a music director at juilliard, and conducted around the world. >> i was able to learn and memorize complete symphonies overnight. ♪ ♪ ♪ >> reporter: but then, the award-winning conductor was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which he says cost him work. >> there was a constant up and down. i just wanted an orchestra of people like me. >> reporter: along with his wife, braunstein started the "me too" orchestra for people with mental illness and those who support them, musician like josh santana. what have you found with the orchestra? >> playing music is so powerful when you are all joined by a common mission. >> reporter: the new england-based orchestra has inspired ensembles around the country, all with the same focus: ending the stigma. >> we aren't trying to be the greatest orchestra in the world. we are just trying to create