March
2024
Hello –
As we honor Women's History Month this March, we celebrate the incredible contributions and achievements of women now and throughout history. We at NMTS recognize the vital role that women play in shaping our organization and the communities we serve. As we reflect on the accomplishments of women past and present, we are reminded of the power of resilience, determination, and unity.
Together, we can continue to break barriers, uplift each other, and create a more inclusive and equitable society for all. Join us this month in celebrating the women who have made a difference in our lives and in the world. Let's honor their legacy by supporting and empowering women in our own lives and beyond. Thank you for being part of our community and for championing the women who make NMTS a place of inspiration and growth.
Manal Toppozada, Executive Director and Founder
Welcome New Tenants!
We would like to welcome JUSTin Hope Foundation, Musicology, Serenity Tai Chi, Reno Jazz Orchestra, and lmpbrskt to our Orovada location. They will be located in and operating out of the west side of the building. They moved in Friday March 1st so if you see new faces around the building, don’t be afraid to say hello!
To learn more about our new neighbors, click the icons below:
In Case You Missed It:
NMTS Music Facts!
Every Friday, one of our music therapists will share their favorite music fact with you, diving into the fascinating realm of music therapy and exploring its profound effects on our bodies. We hope to not only give you cool trivia but also empower you to utilize music as a tool for self-care and personal growth.
Catch every Music Fact Friday and stay up to date with what’s happening at NMTS by following us on all our social platforms!
Women In Music Therapy
As with many other industries, the female pioneers of music therapy are often not known and celebrated. This month, NMTS would like to shed light on the women who paved the way for what we do today. By acknowledging and honoring women's experiences, achievements, and voices within the field of music therapy, we can foster greater understanding, empowerment, and equity for all individuals.
Below are some of the pioneers of music therapy who made it the field it is today!
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Juliette Alvin
Juliette Alvin was a pioneering figure in the field of music therapy, notably introducing the practice to the United Kingdom during World War II. Her dedication to utilizing music as a therapeutic tool for soldiers suffering from physical and psychological trauma paved the way for the integration of music therapy into mainstream healthcare practices.
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Eva Augusta Vescelius
Eva Augusta Vescelius was one of the first to use and study music therapy in the United States. As the founder of the National Association for Music in Hospitals (1926), she laid the groundwork for the professionalization and widespread adoption of music as a therapeutic tool.
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Carolyn Kenny
Kenny was a leading figure in the advancement of music therapy education and research. Kenny's contributions to the field include developing innovative techniques such as the Music Therapy Assessment Tool for Awareness in Disorders of Consciousness (MATADOC), which assesses awareness in patients with severe brain injuries.
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Lilli Friedemann
Friedemann was a German music therapist who made significant contributions to the development of music therapy in Europe. She worked extensively with children and adolescents, using music to address emotional and behavioral issues and promote social integration.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
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Mental Health: Mind Matters uses hands-on, interactive and immersive multimedia activities to give visitors of every age a memorable and impactful experience exploring mental health and its prevalence in society. Mental illness touches all of our lives in some way, making this exhibition a timely and important resource.
NMTS will be attending a resource fair on March 10th from 10 a.m. till 1 p.m.
Come say hi!
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In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month and in partnership with Washoe CASA and more than 50 other local nonprofits, the For Kids Foundation is happy to be putting on the Biggest Little Easter Egg Hunt and Resource Fair for the second year!
This FREE event is open to community and will take place on March 23rd from 10am*-2pm at the Boys and Girls Club Truckee Meadows on 9th Street in Reno.
*Resource fair will open at 9 a.m. for a Sensor-Friendly hour that is reserved for people with disabilities and/or sensory sensitivities.
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This first ever Friday Fun Night for NMTS!
Join us for an unforgettable Friday Fun Night as we turn up the tunes and unleash our inner rockstars with open mic night! Grab the mic, belt out your favorite hits, or showcase your skills on your favorite instrument.
Event is from 5:00 to 6:45 p.m. Pick up is no later than 7 p.m. This is an all ages event and individuals under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Event is free but there is a suggested $5 donation to NMTS.
See the full Calendar of Events for NMTS by clicking below:
Staff Playlist - March
Elizabeth: Charlie Parr - Ain't No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down
Charlie Parr is a rad dude who expresses himself through impressive guitar skills and heartfelt vocals. I got to see Parr perform live at the Swing Station in Laporte, CO around 2016, and he sounds even better live. I love to listen to his full albums; they inspire my mind and calm my heart. This song, "Ain't No Grave," was originally written by Claude Ely in 1934 when he was sick with tuberculosis at 12 years old. The song has been covered by several artists, including Parr. Although always motivating, right now the song reminds me of Aaron Bushnell and his message that will not be "held down" by any grave.
Sharon: Shinedown - A Symptom Of Being Human
This is a new band to me, but not a new band. Several of their songs have been shared in groups I lead. I love the sound and the lyrics here speak for themselves about "being human". Things go wrong, things go right, and we are all just doing the best we can.
Sam: SuperYou - ToMyAngels
My song choice this month would have to be “To My Angels” from SuperYou the musical concept album by Lourds Lane. This is a song I like to listen to when I’m experiencing hardships and need to remind myself that it’s okay to ask for help.
Manal: Sharaf DarZaid - Jerusalema
The song that I listen to at least once a day these days is Jerusalema (feat. Nomcebo Zikode) by South African artist Master KG. This song was released just before the pandemic, and it became an international anthem of joy and connection with people around the world learning the dance and filming themselves for the #jerusalemachallenge. It has become popular again as a symbol of hope, unity, and solidarity. I'm sharing one of the dance videos that was filmed in and around Jerusalem in 2021. It's a wonderful reminder of how important dance and music are to all of us as humans.
Imani: Ana Lua Caiano - Mão Na Mão
I hate the internet most days. But occasionally, I am glad for the never-ending barrage of information from all across the world because I stumble across things like this! I’ve never even heard Portuguese spoken, let alone in music so this is all new for me and I love it. I highly recommend stepping out of your comfort zone by listening to music you never even would have thought to look at….starting with this song!
Nate: Kim Gordon - "BYE BYE"
Sometimes you need a thrashing, avant-garde, car shaking song to get you through your errand commute. Better yet, this song even has a shopping list in its lyrics. This song is inspiring because it goes to show that even at 70 years old, you can make badass music like Kim Gordon.
Eric: Benson Boone - Beautiful Things
I love the auditory representation of the feeling of gratitude in the beginning followed by the heart-pounding feeling of anxiety that comes with realizing that things don't last forever that leads into a pleading to keep the things we are grateful for. I also enjoy that there is a song playing on the radio that I like so much!
Wendy: KALEO - Vor í Vaglaskógi
I have several go-to songs for my dance classes that never fail to get people moving. I like that the vocals on this song are not in English, because it allows one to get lost in the music without getting lost in the story of the lyrics. This song seems to inspire people to move in less traditional ways, which I love! I challenge you to put this on, close your eyes and let your body do what it wants. I promise you will feel great after!
Cony: Los Ángeles Azules ft. Natalia Lafourcade - Nunca Es Suficiente
In the midst of this crazy winter we’re having, this song makes me miss summer and the sun. Hopefully, soon, the sun will be shining and I can play this song in my car with the windows down!
Dena: Rolling Stones - Rain fall down
Just staring out my window for the past week; of course this song comes to mind!
February Thank Yous
Thank you to our February donors: Shannon Beets, Kendra Bertschy, Susan Boner, Theresa Desautels, Cheryl Eckert, Wendy Firestone, CeCelia Gable, Carrie Harding, Healing One, Stephanie & Michael Hix, Andy Hughes, Dina Hunsberger, La Condesa Eatery, Michael Lahnala, Brad Lund, Pam Macy, Lynda Mahorter, Sophie Moeller, Jordan Nakao, Savage and Son, Jake Steinman, Jeannie Steinman, Ken Vogel, Wagner Family Foundation, and Shelby Watty
Extra thanks to our monthly giving crew: Barb Anderson, Dodie Bryant, Michelle Burke, Jody Call, Skyler Dillon, Leslie Doukas, Tiffany Dunseath, MaryLee Fulkerson, Heather Gage, Rachel Gattuso, Mary Jo Gieseke, Karen Golonka, Beverly Hennen, Jonathan Hickox-Young, Andy Hughes, Dina Hunsberger, Sandy Jacob, Ana Johnson, Nadia Khan, Lucille Knight, Michael Lahnala, Deanna Lyons, Pam Macy, LuAnn Miller, Pauline Mooers, Meghan Ochs, Rikki Powers, Lisa A Rizzoli, Jake Steinman, Judith Stewart, Jennifer Tibben & Sharon Hickox, Sarah Toney, Jonathan Wilson, Sandra Young, and Tim Young
Thank you volunteers: Reyna Aguinaldo, Katie Amorelli, Kendra Bertschy, Jeff Bloyd, Christine Erickson, Sally Duffy, Emilee Duffy, Mark Geeson, Mike Hix, Andy Hughes, Audry Irwin, Aaron Kirkpatrick, Michael Lahnala, Laura Matushek, Greg McNie, Diana Medina, Chris Middleton, Sophie Moeller, Whitney Pomi, Pat Ragains, Patti Rodriguez, Becca Shipley, Dave Stockman, Ken Vogel, Ethan Ware, Tembra Wright-Hay
