September
2023
Hello –
As we commemorate National Recovery Month, I wanted to share with you the transformative power of music therapy in aiding recovery from substance misuse and abuse. Music therapy has been shown to be an effective tool in the journey towards recovery. It provides a non-threatening medium for expression, fosters a sense of community, aids in developing coping strategies, and helps people find a sense of hope. At NMTS, we have seen firsthand how music therapy can help individuals regain control of their lives and build a healthier future. So this month I invite you to learn more about our music therapy services and how they can aid not only in the recovery process but can also improve so many aspects of your physical, cognitive, and mental health. We have several new programs starting in October and are excited to be starting more soon. If you have suggestions for a program or class you’d like to see here at NMTS, please reach out and let us know. We’re always open to new ideas!
Manal Toppozada, Executive Director and Founder
Born To Dance Recap
It was another year of nearly 20 participants from NMTS's dance classes putting on a stellar, full-length dance concert. The dancers performed new works as well as a few old favorites. "The dancers work hard all year to learn multiple pieces of choreography," explained dance instructor, Wendy Firestone. "They are passionate about dance, and that passion is overflowing during performances. We always aim to bring joy to our audiences, and I think this year they knocked it out of the park!"
Move Day - We Need Your Help!
We're so excited that the first phase of our building renovation is almost complete! This coming Monday, September 11th, from 10am - 4pm, we will be moving from the west side of the building into our new music therapy, performance, and office spaces on the east side. And we would really appreciate your help. You can drop in anytime during those hours and we'll find something for you to do!
P.S. We have plenty of light items, as well as carts and dollies for moving larger items. We'll take all the help we can get!
New Classes
-
Musical Connections is an opportunity for individuals 13+ to explore various musical theater techniques and processes that can support growth in social/emotional skills and can support community connection. Through this process, individuals will have the chance to explore original songwriting, emotional expression through performance-based workshops, vocal health education, movement to music, and solo/group performance opportunities.
-
Caregiver Support Group is designed to provide stress relief for those that provide care for others. This is a chance to use music to express emotions and make connections in new ways. A music therapist will lead the group in finding ways to find joy and peace in a complicated life utilizing a familiar tool: music.
10/3 & 10/5, 10/10 &10/12, 10/17 & 10/19, 10/24 & 10/26
-
Intro to Guitar Class is designed for anyone who ever wanted to learn to play the guitar and never has. A music therapist will gently take the participants through the basics of the guitar and how to play it. She will support them emotionally and musically through the task of taking on this new challenge.
-
Through song, instrument play and movement, this group will stimulate and enhance musical, social, physical, and emotional growth and development. Caregivers and children will have the opportunity to connect with each other through music making and social connection focusing on communication, fine /gross motor development, emotional regulation, attention span, listening and creative expression.
-
This group is a unique musical place where children with all abilities can join us for music making and meeting new friends. Music experiences in this group are designed to support communication, encourage social engagement, and foster creativity and imagination using instruments and songs. Children will have opportunities for personal empowerment and socialization in a fun and engaging group setting. All children with various communication methods seeking peer to peer interactions are welcome to attend.
Staff Song Picks
Music is important to ALL of us! Here is a playlist of songs our staff picked for you! These are songs that we have been resonating with recently and have been playing on repeat.
Manal - Tukoh Taka - Official FIFA Fan Festival™ Anthem | Nicki Minaj, Maluma, & Myriam Fares
It was one of the World Cup songs from last fall and anyone who knows me knows that my life revolves around the World Cup every four years. I've been listening to it again recently because it came up on one of my Spotify playlists and wormed its way back into my brain. It's one of those multipurpose songs that is both annoying and motivating! And the hook is fun to sing no matter what mood I'm in.”
Wendy - FREEDOM - Jon Batiste
I love this song and the video for SO MANY reasons. First, Jon Batiste seems like a genuinely caring person who wants to use his art to make the world a better place. This tune in particular is full of joy and makes me want to DANCE! The video shows some of the New Orleans culture that I love so much, and when I see Jon Batiste dance, I can't help but smile. This song is a 10 out of 10 for me!
Dena - Call Me The Breeze - J.J Cale
In the records I inherited from my uncle was this J.J. Cale album. My dad used to play "Call Me the Breeze" in the band he was in when I was a kid and I've always loved it. Reminds me of being wild and free. Great driving song!
Sharon - Freaking Out! - Caroline Kole
Originally shared with me at a music therapy group. I have been listening to it a lot lately. I think no matter where we are in life, we have doubts and can feel like an imposter and it's okay to admit that. We are all vulnerable to being overwhelmed.
Elizabeth - Living In My Head - Kesha
Kesha has shared her journey with recovery from sexual abuse in several of her songs, and the song Living In My Head from her most recent album details what it can feel like being trapped in memories. Recovering from trauma can be a long process, with both magnificent moments of success and slow, stagnant phases that can feel like you're moving backwards. Kesha explicitly names the thoughts and feelings she experiences during one of the more stagnant phases of recovery. In sharing her song with the public, she allows others who have experienced something similar to know that they are not alone in their feelings.
Sam - Summer, Highland Falls - Billy Joel
This song, to me, encapsulates the emotional waves of navigating mental health, social justice, spirituality, and community connection. I especially enjoy the line, “For we are always what our situations hand us. It’s either sadness or euphoria.” I feel that this line not only validates the human experience, but also supports a sense of strength in solidarity.
Nate - Angel - Little Simz
This track brings back a nostalgic sound of the old-school hip-hop beats I grew up listening to and feels timeless. The lyricism from Little Simz and the beautifully layered beat hits a sweet spot in my soul. The line “I got angels guidin' my steps, guardin' my life from now until death” is a great affirmation to have on repeat in your head.
Cony - La Fiesta - Pedro Capó
I was thinking of my good friend Oliver X. He inspired me to take my place in the community as a Mexican businesswoman with much to give my community. To take my place and stand in my power in my community.
Sarah - One Voice - The Waillin’ Jennys
I’ve been a bit obsessed with this song over the summer.
Upcoming Events
Buddy Walk | Saturday, Sept 9th, 8-10:30am | Swift Sportsdome 1465 S. Meadows Pkwy
The Buddy Walk is the Down Syndrome Network of Northern Nevada’s largest fundraiser of the year. This event funds their mission to support individuals with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities in the Northern Nevada community. The 18th Annual Buddy Walk takes place Saturday, Sept. 9 and admission is free, with optional tiers for swag. There will also be a raffle, live entertainment, free pancake breakfast, vendor fair and games hosted by the Special Olympics. Click here for information on the Buddy Walk and resources DSNNN provides in the community.
Hands ON! at Nevada Museum of Art | Saturday, Sept 9th, 12:00 - 12:45 & 1:30-2:15 pm | 160 West Liberty, Reno, Nevada 89501
The Hands ON! on Second Saturdays program offers monthly free admission, hands-on art activities, storytelling, a docent-guided tour, live performances, and community collaborations. The Note-Ables are excited to be invited and performing two sets! For more info please visit: https://www.nevadaart.org/event/hands-on-second-saturdays-47/
August Thank Yous
Thank you to our August donors: Pioneer Center For The Performing Arts, Kendra Bertschy, Wendy & John Firestone, Andy Hughes, Dianna Karlicek, Brad Lund, Sophie Moeller, Saint Mary's Health Network, and Dave & Connie Wilson
Extra thanks to our monthly giving crew: Susan Boskoff, Barb Anderson, Dodie Bryant, Michelle Burke, Jody Call, Skyler Dillon, Leslie Doukas, Tiffany Dunseath, MaryLee Fulkerson, Heather Gage, Rachel Gattuso, Mary Gieseke Jo, Karen Golonka, Beverly Hennen, Jennifer Tibben & Sharon Hickox, Jonathan Hickox-Young, Andy Hughes, Dina Hunsberger, Sandy Jacob, Ana Johnson, Nadia Khan, Lucille Knight, Michael Lahnala, Deanna Lyons, LuAnn Miller, Pauline Mooers, Meghan Ochs, Rikki Powers, Lisa Rizzoli, Jake Steinman, Judith Stewart, Sarah Toney, Ken Vogel Doreen &, Gina Wertz, Jonathan Wilson, Sandra Young, and Tim Young
Thank you volunteers: Kendra Bertschy, Jeff Bloyd, Mark Geeson, Mike Hix, Andy Hughes, Aaron Kirkpatrick, Michael Lahnala, Tony Martin, Sophie Moeller, Jeanine Mooers, Jordan Nakao, Becca Shipley, Jake Steinman, and Dave Stockman
