Music for Autism Inaugural Interactive Program Benefits Individuals with Autism at the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center
Joshua Stein, Lisa Splitlog, and Robert Accordino, posted November 17, 2007.
New York, NY – Music for Autism’s long-awaited inaugural interactive concerts, held at the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center on November 17, 2007, had a tremendously positive impact on those who attended. The concert featured talented young professional musicians Ryan Gardner on trumpet and Charity Wicks on piano, both of whom are doctoral students at Manhattan School of Music. Charity is currently a pianist for Spring Awakening on Broadway. Many audience members commented on the musicians’ extraordinary abilities to make the concerts extremely “autism friendly” and inviting for all audience members.
“It was an amazing experience for us,” said parent Susan Hershman. “The people running the concert were so welcoming, and we immediately felt comfortable…Both musicians were talented and kind to the individuals with autism. It is hard to find places that welcome children with disabilities, and we felt lucky to participate in an appropriate and respectful activity such as yours. There is such a need for these types of programs. I do hope you continue this important work!”
The unique event featured “concert time” when audience members are free to respond to music as active audience members; “conducting time” when everyone is invited to conduct the musicians; and “percussion time” when participants are asked to play along on percussion instruments provided.
A large team of volunteers also found the concerts moving and inspiring, and Music for Autism gratefully acknowledged their generous contributions. “Our thanks is due to our volunteers, Israel Wojnowich, David Luo, Angela Diaz, Marijane Lehr, James Kirk, Kathie Koo, Eli Sprecher, Denise Purdie, Alexandra Sacks, Valerie Goldfein, Lauren Stossel, Katie Flachs, Nora Segar, Michael Marotta, Rachael Bedard and Gideon Friedman, who worked tirelessly to ensure that all who attended Saturday’s events felt at home,” said Robert Accordino, Executive Director, Music for Autism.
About Music for Autism
Music for Autism improves the quality of life of and access to education for individuals with autism. The five year-old charity, based in both the UK and the US, helps to fill a major psychosocial void through the “autism-friendly,” interactive concerts it sponsors. All events are inclusive and allow those with autism and their families to enjoy professionally preformed, high quality music. In addition to its interactive programming, M4A hosts fundraising concerts to support schools and works with the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center of Mount Sinai Medical Center to better screen for autism in underprivileged areas.
