August 2026
August is packed with exciting updates and upcoming events. Grab a cup of coffee and read on!
August at NMTS: A Season of Wellness
August is Wellness Month, a time to slow down and remember that being healthy is about more than not being sick. It's about caring for our minds, our bodies, and the people around us.
Music is more than something that is just enjoyable and fun. Music actually changes how we feel, in ways that science can measure. One large study looked at 47 different research projects and nearly 2,750 people. It found that music therapy has a strong effect on lowering stress (de Witte et al., published in Health Psychology Review, 2020). Other research has shown that music therapy can lower blood pressure, slow down a racing heart, and reduce stress hormones like cortisol. The research backs up what we see every day: making music together can calm a racing heart, ease a heavy mind, and remind us we are not alone.
Wellness looks different for everyone, and that is exactly why our work matters. It might be a child learning to breathe steady through a wind instrument. It might be a group singing together and feeling closer because of it. It might be a caregiver finding a few quiet minutes in the waiting room. Wellness shows up in small, human moments, and music has a way of meeting us right where we are.
This month, we are celebrating every step our community takes toward feeling well, whole, and heard. Read on to see what we have going on.
— Manal Toppozada, Executive Director
Take a Beat: Support for New Moms
"These groups have opened up new doors of community, support, self-expression, and bonding," said Manal Toppozada, Executive Director.
"All of this is so wonderful, but what is truly impactful is seeing the relief of 'I'm not alone' when new moms get together each week!"
Having a new baby can be one of the most joyful times in life. It can also be one of the hardest. The exhaustion, the big changes, the pressure to have it all figured out. It's a lot to carry, and no parent should have to carry it alone.
That's why NMTS launched Take a Beat, a new program built to support new mothers. The idea grew out of our Lullaby Project, where mothers wrote lullabies for their children and found comfort and connection through the process.
Take a Beat groups are led by a board-certified music therapist trained in trauma-informed care, along with a bilingual community health worker. Moms sing with their babies, try movement and rhythm activities, and even write songs. The sessions are offered in English and Spanish, with more language support available. Babies and siblings are always welcome, and moms are welcome to come alone too, if that's what they need that day.
The FREE program is open to any parent who would like to attend. It's funded by a grant from Renown Health and hosted in partnership with Anthem Wellness Center.
Groups are on a drop-in basis and currently meet every Wednesday at Anthem Wellness Center in Reno. Registration is not required, but if people would like to receive updates about the program they can sign up here.
Do You Know About Sips & Sounds?
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Every fundraiser has a story. This is Bev's.
Like you, NMTS believes everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the joy, connection, and confidence that music can bring regardless of their financial circumstances. That's why our scholarship program is so important.
If you've attended an NMTS event, chances are you've seen Bev.
For the past 15 years, Bev has been front and center in our community. Whether she's singing, drumming or dancing, Bev shows up with enthusiasm, courage, and a smile that lights up the room. She proudly calls herself a "Note-Able."
Thanks to supporters like you, Bev, and thousands of others, can continue participating in life-changing music programs and performance opportunities.
That's why we're inviting you to Sips & Sounds.
This isn't your typical fundraiser. It's an interactive, one-of-a-kind evening filled with music, great food and drinks, meaningful connections, and unforgettable experiences, all while supporting a mission that changes lives.
When you purchase a ticket, you're doing more than attending a great event. You're helping ensure that people like Bev can continue discovering confidence, community, and joy through music.
We hope you'll join us for an evening you'll remember and a cause that truly matters.
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Although attendance is not restricted by age, the event is designed for adults ages 21 and older. Non-alcoholic beverages will be available, and all food and activities are suitable for attendees of all ages.
When: Friday, September 11, 2026
Where: NMTS 2590 Orovada St., Reno
What: An evening of interactive music experiences, food and beverage tasting. A fundraiser for the NMTS scholarship fund.
Have you ever noticed how a single note can change the way music feels?
One of the experiences you can encounter at Sips & Sounds begins with a handcrafted beverage and a delicious bite. You will hear the sound of a pianist creating music in the moment. As the notes unfold, you'll have the chance to offer a word or phrase that will inspire the music you hear.
No two performances will ever be the same, because each one is shaped by the people in the room.
This is just one stop along an evening designed to awaken your senses, spark your curiosity, and celebrate the power of creativity, all while supporting NMTS's scholarship fund.
We sincerely hope you'll join us for an unforgettable night celebrating the power of music.
Early-bird tickets are available through August 28, so buy your tickets today!
2026 Summer Camp Recap: More Than Music
This July, NMTS held two weeks of Music Summer Camp, and once again, it was so much more than music. Led by our amazing music therapists and adaptive music instructors, campers spent the week singing, dancing, making friends, and exploring music and movement together in a space built for creativity, confidence, connection, and inclusive participation.
Our Teen/Adult Camp welcomed participants 13 and up, and our Kids Camp welcomed campers ages 6 to 12, each week full of shared laughter, new friendships, and moments of genuine self-expression. Whether it was a first time picking up an instrument or a favorite week they look forward to all year, campers left with big smiles and even bigger memories.
Thank you to everyone who joined us this summer, and to the instructors who made it all possible.
Upcoming Events
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For the 4th year, the NMTS Dance Troupe will be presenting a new work at the Pioneer Center’s Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival.
Bring your chairs and join us on the plaza in front of the Pioneer Center on Friday, August 14 at 7:30pm.
Free and open to the public. Food Trucks and donations supporting our local SPCA. -
The Food Bank of Northern Nevada brings its “Produce on Wheels” program to NMTS each month from 10:00–10:30 AM. This typically takes place on the fourth Wednesday, though dates may vary — please check our calendar for updates. This month’s distribution will be held on Monday, August 17, 2026. If you’re age 60 or older, come by and get some free produce!
(Clients must be 60 years or older, live in Nevada, have a valid ID and be willing to complete an intake form and survey.)
Get more information here
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Join us for an exciting performance by our NMTS dance classes! This free event is open to people of all ages and abilities and showcases the talent, creativity, and hard work of our participants. Admission is free, with a suggested $5 donation to support NMTS.
Friday, August 28 | 5:00-7:00 PM
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Experience Sips & Sounds, an immersive evening of interactive music experiences, curated beverages, delicious bites, and a few surprises along the way. This special fundraiser supports NMTS programs and services that provide accessible music therapy, adaptive music programs, and inclusive community experiences throughout Northern Nevada. Tickets are $85, or $75 with early-bird pricing through August 28.
Friday, September 11 | 6:00-8:30 PM
Click HERE to purchase tickets.
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Join us for an exciting evening of talent and self-expression at our NMTS Talent Show! This free event is open to people of all ages and abilities and celebrates the creativity, courage, and hard work of our participants. Admission is free, with a suggested $5 donation to support NMTS.
Friday, September 25 | 5:00–6:30 PM
Individuals under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pick-up is no later than 6:45 PM.
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It's time to get spooky! Join us for the NMTS Halloween Dance Party, a fun night of costumes, music, and dancing for people of all ages and abilities. Admission is free, with a suggested $5 donation to support NMTS.
Friday, October 23 | 5:00–6:30 PM
Individuals under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pick-up is no later than 6:45 PM.
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Thank Yous
Thank you to our July donors:
Mary Bryant, Billie Ferre, Matt Golish, Michael & Stephanie Hix, Catherine Kinkead, Grace Larkins, Nicolle Lowe, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Jeanette Martin, Mary Ann McCauley, Marcia O'Malley, Whitney Pomi, Gigi Reesman, Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, Lloyd Rogers, State of Nevada, Manal Toppozada, Ken & Doreen Vogel, Don & Lori Welsh, Townley-Wilson Family
The NMTS monthly Music Makers giving crew:
Barb Anderson, Susan Boner, Susan Boskoff, Dodie Bryant, Jody Call, Theresa Desautels, Skyler Dillon & Thomas Lay, Leslie Doukas, Tiffany Dunseath, Cheryl Eckert, Nate & Tashina Eng, Wendy & John Firestone, Mary Lee Fulkerson, Eileen Fuller, CeCe Gable, Heather Gage, Rachel Gattuso, Karen Golonka, Lindsey Tromerhauser, Carrie Harding, Beverly Hennen, Jennifer Tibben & Sharon Hickox, Daniel Hickox-Young, Jonathan Hickox-Young, Andy Hughes, Dina Hunsberger, Sandy Jacob & Mel Minarik, Ana Johnson, Kay Kephart, Lucy Knight, Michael Lahnala, Cathi Litz, Deborah Loesch-Griffin, Brad Lund & Trudy Miller, Deanna Lyons, Melanie Mahan, Lynda Mahorter, Stephen Martin, Mary Ann McCauley, Olga Mesina, LuAnn Miller, Mary Miller, Sophie Moeller, Pauline Mooers, Miguel Morales, Lee Moran, Meghan Ochs, Whitney Pomi, Pat & Bonnie Ragains, Lisa A Rizzoli, Cindy Sabatini, Nichole Schembre, Daniel Sion, Jake & Rachel Steinman, Jeannie Steinman, Judith Stewart, Sarah & Nate Toney, Elizabeth Van Zijl, Ken & Doreen Vogel, Done & Lori Welsh, Jonathan Wilson, Sandra Young, Tim Young & Jodie Barker
Thank you to our July volunteers:
River Bailey, Kendra Bertschy, Jeff Bloyd, Matthew Cotton, Mallory Cotton, Maya Delgado, Xena Delgado, Cheryl Eckert, Natalie Erck , Mark Geeson, Emerson Gourley, Tashina Habibian, Rowland Hill, Mike Hix, Michael Lahnala, Ashley Malek, Tony Martin, Skylar Mayhew, Mary Ann McCauley, Addi McFarlane, Greg McNie, Olga Mesina, Miguel Morales, LilyAna Perez, Whitney Pomi, Pat Ragains, Brooklyn Remington, Kristen Remington, R Remington, Pam Russell, Veruka Saiki, Milin Sekhon, Simmi Sekhon, Becca Shipley, Adi Srivastava, Dave Stockman, Bill Sutman, Sarah Townsley, Lindsey Tromerhauser, Evie Uhlmeyer, Ken Vogel, Colton Walker, Jeremy Wilson, Jon Wilson, Laila Wilson, Mackay Wilson-Townsley
Volunteer of the Month: River Bailey!
River is an incredible part of the NMTS family, and we are so grateful for her dedication, kindness, and positive attitude. Whether she's helping with the band, watching the front desk, keeping our building and surrounding grounds clean, or jumping in to tackle any task that needs to be done, River is always willing to lend a hand with a smile. Her hard work and caring spirit make a lasting impact on everyone she meets. It's no surprise that everyone at NMTS loves having her around! We are so thankful to have River as part of our NMTS family and the community as a whole.
