October 2025
80 YEARS OF PROGRESS, MORE TO COME.
This October marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a milestone that reminds us how far we’ve come—and how much work still lies ahead. Since its establishment in 1945, NDEAM has called attention to the importance of creating workplaces where people with disabilities are recognized for their skills, strengths, and contributions.
The theme for 2025, “Increasing Access and Opportunity,” reflects a vision we at NMTS hold close to our mission: building communities where barriers are removed, talents are celebrated, and every individual has the chance to thrive. Just as inclusive employment provides dignity, choice, and independence, inclusive music and arts programs open doors to creativity, belonging, and self-expression.
As we join the national conversation this month, we recommit ourselves to the work of ensuring that music is not a privilege, but a pathway open to all.
THIS IS A ROUGH DRAFT BY ANABELLA *** waiting for Manal’s version (:
New Program Alert! Starting October 1st NMTS will be offering a Senior Choir…
This program creates opportunity for seniors to gather in community to sing and make music! Members will get to learn about various choral stylings, vocal health, and music language/techniques. No prior singing or choir experience required. This program will be led by one of NMTS’s wonderful Adaptive Music Instructors, Allie Cheney. For more information please click the button below!
At Note-Able Music Therapy Services, volunteers aren’t just helpers—they are the heartbeat of our mission. Whether assisting in classes, supporting events, lending a hand in the office, or serving on our board, volunteers infuse our programs with energy, care, and a sense of community that cannot be measured. Quite simply, we couldn’t do what we do without them.
Leading this essential program is our Program Support Specialist, Nohemy Velasco, whose dedication ensures that every volunteer feels welcomed, prepared, and inspired from the very start. Each month, Nohemy hosts our volunteer orientation, where she shares a thoughtfully designed presentation that brings NMTS’s story, mission, and impact to life. Her warmth and organizational expertise create a space where new volunteers not only learn about our programs but also immediately feel like part of the family.
Nohemy’s background in arts, theater, and community outreach shines through in everything she does. A Reno native and UNR graduate, she has long been passionate about making the arts accessible, inclusive, and empowering for all. At NMTS, she translates that passion into action—building a structured, supportive volunteer program where every question is answered, every role is clear, and every person feels valued.
We love our volunteers, and we love the way Nohemy helps each of them find their place in our community. If you’ve ever wondered how you might get involved, now is the perfect time to join. From classrooms to community events—and even new opportunities you might dream up—there’s a role for everyone. Together, we can ensure that the transformative power of music continues to reach those who need it most.
The Note-Able Difference: Powered by Volunteers
Nohemy Velasco, Program Support Specialist
Making Our Debut
This is a season of milestones at NMTS. We have two very note-able firsts to share!
Next month, NMTS’s Musical Connections program will debut its first original musical, Dance Dance Detective — and we can’t wait to see it come to life on the Reno Little Theatre stage. Meanwhile, we’re still glowing from the success of our first-ever Music Makers Showcase, which brought together an incredible lineup of local talent and an unforgettable night of music, community, and joy. Below you’ll find event info for the upcoming show Dance Dance Detective, followed by a quick recap of last months Music Makers Showcase.
Coming Soon to a Stage Near You…
Our Musical Connections program is debuting its first-ever original musical, Dance Dance Detective.
Entirely composed and written by program participants, this original production represents the creativity, collaboration, and growth that thrive within Musical Connections. Guided by our lead music therapist Samantha White, MT-BC, LPMT, participants have explored songwriting, movement, emotional expression, and performance skills—culminating in a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience.
Set in 1989 at a Halloween party deep in the woods, the musical follows a group of friends as laughter and lighthearted drama quickly shift into mystery when their prankster friend suddenly disappears. With twists, allies, and surprises along the way, Dance Dance Detective promises a night of humor, suspense, and heartfelt storytelling.
📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025
📍 Reno Little Theater – 147 E. Pueblo Street, Reno, NV 89502
Join us as we celebrate this milestone achievement for NMTS, Musical Connections, and our incredible community of artists.
On September 20, our auditorium filled with music, joy, and community as we hosted our very first Music Makers Showcase. The evening was a wonderful success, featuring unforgettable performances by The Note-Ables, Anthony Postman, the Sapphire Quartet, NMTS staff, the Lenz Family, and more.
The night offered a beautiful mix of genres and heartfelt performances, while raffle winners took home some fantastic prizes. Most importantly, the funds raised will help remove financial barriers so that people of all ages and abilities can continue to access music therapy and adaptive music programs at NMTS.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who performed, attended, and supported this milestone event. Your generosity and enthusiasm keep the music alive—promoting wellness, sparking creativity, and enriching lives through the power of inclusive music.
A Night to Remember: Music Makers Showcase Recap
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
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11:00 am - 11:30 am at NMTS
Through the Senior Nutrition & Wellness (SNW) program (formerly Commodity Supplemental Food Program/CSFP), the Food Bank of Northern Nevada provides a monthly box of nutritious pantry staples to low-income seniors 60 years and over.
They’ll be in the MNTS east parking lot the 2nd Monday of every month from 11:15 am to 12 noon.
(Clients are asked to complete a CSFP application at their first visit, to determine program eligibility. If approved, your application will be valid for 3 years, pending an annual verbal recertification. In order to quality, a recipient must be 60 years of age or older, a resident of Nevada and have an income under 130% of the Federal Poverty Line.)
Get more info here
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10:00 - 10:30 am at NMTS
The Food Bank of Northern Nevada brings its “Produce on Wheels” program to the front round-about of NMTS from 10:15 - 11:00 am on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
If you’re age 60 or older, come by and get some free produce!
(You must be a Nevada resident, have a valid ID, and be willing to complete a brief Intake Form and Survey.)
Get more info here
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4:30 - 5:30 pm at NMTS
Led by certified sound healer Nichole Schembre. Enjoy a meditative experience that bathes you in sound waves produced by instruments such as crystal singing bowls, percussion, and chimes. Sound baths encourage a meditative state through the vibrations and frequencies of the instruments, which can lead to a release of tension and a feeling of calm. A great way to de-stress!
$10 per person - Ages 12+ welcome
Registration and payment through THIS LINK - limited attendance. Walk-ins may be available, if there is room.
Comfy dress code. Blanket/pillow/mat encouraged. Participants generally lie on the floor to enjoy this experience. Chairs will be available.
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5:30 pm - 6:45 pm pm at NMTS
It’s time to get spooky! The NMTS Party is your chance to dress up and dance!
Event ends at 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.
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Location: 147 E Pueblo Street, Reno, NV | Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm | Cost:
Dance Dance Detective: An Original Musical
Join us at Reno Little Theatre on October 25 at 1:00 PM for the premiere of Dance Dance Detective—an original musical written and composed by NMTS’s Musical Connections class, with live accompaniment by The Note-Ables Band.Click HERE for more information.
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September Thank Yous
Thank you to our September donors:
Barb Anderson, David & Lois Bianchi, Castello di Amorosa Winery, Chava Photo and Video, Sarah Deardorff, Wendy & John Firestone, Stacie Hartze, Michael & Stephanie Hix, Andy Hughes, Melanie Mahan, Laurie Martin, Stephen Martin, Erika Miller, Nancy Oesterle, Whitney Pomi, Lori Porter, Reno Aces, Cynthia Simpson, Ken & Doreen Vogel, Gay Warner.
The NMTS monthly Music Makers giving crew:
Barb, Anderson, Susan Boner, Susan Boskoff, Dodie Bryant, Jody Call, Skyler Dillon, Leslie Doukas, Tiffany Dunseath, Cheryl Eckert, Wendy & John Firestone, MaryLee Fulkerson, CeCe Gable, Heather Gage, Rachel Gattuso, Mary Jo Gieseke, Karen Golonka, Sherrie E. Grabot, Carrie Harding, Beverly Hennen, Sharon Hickox & Jenny Tibben, Daniel Hickox-Young, Jonathan Hickox-Young, Andy Hughes, Dina Hunsberger, Sandy Jacob & Mel Minarik, Ana Johnson, Nadia Khan, Lucille Knight, Michael Lahnala, Brad Lund & Trudy Miller, Deanna Lyons, Pam Macy, Melanie Mahan, Lynda Mahorter, Olga Mesina, LuAnn Miller, Mary Miller, Sophie Moeller, Pauline Mooers, Lee Moran, Meghan Ochs, Lisa A Rizzoli, Pam Miller Russell, Cindy Sabatini, Jake Steinman, Jeannie Steinman, Judith Stewart, Sarah & Nate Toney, Elizabeth Van Zijl, Ken & Doreen Vogel, Don & Lori Welsh, Gina Wertz, Jonathan Wilson, Sandra Young, Tim Young & Jodie Barker
Thank you volunteers:
Erin Suarez, Isabel Jimenez, Paul McGuire, Bill Sutman, Pat Sutman, Matt Ennis, Dave Stockman, Whitney Pomi, Michael Lahnala, Mary Ann McCauley, Tony Martin, Jeff Bloyd, Matthew Cotton, Cheryl Eckert, Mark Geeson, Rebecca Shipley, Leif Christensen, Jenny Sterling, Jasmin Morales, Juliana Carmona, Pat Ragains, Ken Vogel, Patti Rodriguez, Greg McNie, Kendra Bertschy, Lindsey Tromerhauser, Jake Steinman, Mike Hix, Olga Mesina.