Music For Autism Inaugurates Concerts at Eden Institute in Princeton, New Jersey
Joshua Stein, Carol Markowitz, Lisa Splitlog, and Robert Accordino, posted February 11, 2008.
Princeton, NJ – Music for Autism (M4A) held its inaugural interactive concert on February 9, 2008, at the Eden Institute in Princeton, New Jersey. The event, M4A’s first US performance outside of the New York City area, featured music by the Enso String Quartet.
Carol Markowitz, Chief Operating Officer of the Eden Family of Services and member of the Board of Directors of M4A, said, “The concert was a wonderful event. Parents expressed their pleasure at being treated to such wonderful music, without having to worry about their children’s behavior, or about getting a baby sitter, which can be daunting for a family with a child with autism. The entire family could enjoy the event together, and we had extended families with us, including brothers and sisters. The children with autism who attended also were visibly engaged with the music, conducting, and for the most part very attentive. The musicians from the Enso String Quartet were a delight and seemed to enjoy the interactions as well.”
Many attendees expressed their tremendous appreciation for the concert. One parent said, “We know that this was for the kids, but probably my husband and I enjoyed it most of all – […] it was so nice to be able to bring our children regardless of the noise that our son with autism might make.” Another commented, “My son loved it and I felt like it was a total luxury for me.”
M4A Executive Director Robert Accordino expressed his gratitude to Carol and those at Eden. “We are thrilled that our first concert outside of New York City was such a success and look forward to continuing to bring high quality music to families in New Jersey through our collaboration with Eden,” said Accordino. “It is truly an honor to collaborate with the institution that created the concept of services for individuals with autism throughout the lifespan. We are enormously grateful to Carol and the spectacular staff at Eden and to the Enso String Quartet for sharing their talents with us.”
About Eden Services
Eden Services provides a variety of services to children and adults with autism including 12 month education, job training, early intervention, residential services for adults, adult center based services, supported employment, summer residential programming for children, diagnosis and evaluation, and consultation to schools and agencies. Eden’s mission is to improve the lives of children and adults with autism and their families by providing a range of community based services to meet specific needs throughout the lifespan.
