October 2026
October brings more great opportunities for connection…read on!
In this month’s newsletter:
Invisible Disabilities Week
This month, we are recognizing Invisible Disabilities Week (October 18-24), which encourages us to learn more about disabilities and health conditions that may not be immediately apparent to others. This helps us to think about how we can create more understanding, accessibility and inclusion.
Invisible disabilities can include physical, neurological, developmental, sensory and mental health conditions. They can affect how someone moves through, communicates with, and experiences the world. Too often, people with invisible disabilities are met with comments like, “But you don’t look disabled,” or “You seem fine.” But we can’t always see what someone is experiencing, and we don’t need to see a disability to believe someone when they tell us what they need.
This is something we think about in music therapy, too. Music is often described as a universal language, but the way we experience music is not universal. One person might connect through singing. Another might connect through movement, rhythm, instruments, songwriting, listening, vibration, or simply being present in a musical environment.
For someone with an invisible disability, music therapy might provide a way to communicate without having to find the “right” words. It might help with sensory regulation, emotional expression, memory, movement, social connection, or creating a predictable and supportive space. And sometimes, it may simply provide an opportunity to participate in music in a way that works for that person at that time..
The important thing is that there is no single “right” way to experience music, just as there is no single way to experience disability. Because sometimes accessibility starts with something very simple: believing people when they tell us what they need.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience music in a way that works for them — whether their disability is visible to us or not.
— Manal Toppozada, Executive Director
Sips & Sounds Fundraiser Highlights
What a night! Sips & Sounds brought together great company, delicious drinks, and bites for an evening filled with energy and connection. Thank you so much to everyone who joined us—we truly appreciate your time, enthusiasm, and support.
From the first pour to the final note, the evening was a wonderful reminder of what happens when good people and a great atmosphere come together.
Guests enjoyed time to engage with our staff, make some music, and participate in a raffle while celebrating the spirit of our NMTS community. Each room offered a small glimpse into the minds of our staff, who day after day combine music, creativity, and a little bit of magic to bring the mission of NMTS to life.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make Sips & Sounds such a memorable evening. Thank you especially to event sponsors Q&D Construction and the Reno-Tahoe Airport and to drink partners 50/50 Brewing Co and 10 Torr Distilling and Brewing.
We hope to see you again next year—and at many more of our events throughout the rest of the year!
Find upcoming events HERE. See the photos below!
New Class Offering: Youth Exploring Music
We’re excited to announce a new class starting October 6th!
Get ready to sing, dance, play, create, and explore! Youth Exploring Music is an inclusive, hands-on music class designed for kids 11-14 yrs of all abilities. Through interactive activities and creative experiences, children will discover the joy of music while building confidence, friendships, and important social skills.
In each class, kids will have opportunities to:
Explore a variety of instruments and have hands-on opportunities to play them
Create and write their own music, encouraging imagination and self-expression
Build social skills through singing, music-making, movement, cooperation, and group activities
Build confidence and independence in a supportive environment where every child can participate in their own way, including performance opportunities
Make friends and feel a sense of belonging while sharing the joy of music with others
Come make some noise, make some friends, and discover what music can do!
Instructor: Allie Cheney - NMTS Adaptive Music Instructor, professional musician, member of the Reno Phil Chorus, member of the Crocodile Nixon Improv and Comedy troupe, actor
Fee: $50/Month | When: Tuesdays, 4:45 - 5:30pm | Sign Up HERE
Community Fall Clean Up
Let’s work together! We are hosting a Fall Community Clean Up event and we need your help to pick up litter and refresh our shared public spaces. Join us to keep our space beautiful, safe and clean.
Whether you can stay for 30 minutes or the entire morning, every bit of help makes a huge difference for our environment and community pride.
Snacks, drinks and gloves will be provided! Families, neighbors and volunteers of all ages are welcome.
Wednesday, October 7 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM
David’s 80’s Glow Dance Party
Actor David DeSanctis (Where Hope Grows, Color My World with Love, These Stones) is taking over the first night of the Lucky Few Fall Festival and hosting an 80's Glow Party! Come dressed in your best 80s neon attire or Halloween costume and get ready for pizza and dancing!
This event is free with an optional $5 donation. The party is open to all ages. Children under the age of 12 must have a guardian stay for the duration of the party, but we encourage parents of all attendees to stay. Many parents stayed in years past and spent time with David's parents and it was a blast!
More information and tickets available here: https://www.dsnnn.org/event-details/davids-80s-glow-dance-party
Thursday, October 15 | 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Get ready to dance, dress up, and celebrate spooky season! NMTS is hosting a Friday Fun Night Halloween Dance Party, and everyone is invited to join the fun!
When: Friday, October 23, 2026 | 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Where: NMTS, 2590 Orovada Street, Reno, NV 89512
Put on your favorite costume, bring your best dance moves, and get ready for a night of music, laughter, and Halloween fun! Whether you come dressed as a favorite character, something spooky, something silly, or simply yourself, there’s a place for everyone on the dance floor.
All ages and abilities are welcome!
A suggested $5 donation is appreciated to support NMTS programs.
Come dressed up, dance it out, and celebrate Halloween with your NMTS community!
Friday Fun Night: Halloween Dance Party
Join singer-songwriter John Elliott for a performance and songwriting workshop!
You’re invited to a FREE, family-friendly performance and songwriting workshop at NMTS with John Elliot.
John has been releasing albums and performing in every type of venue you can imagine, touring in 49 of the 50 states and all over Europe. John's most recent album was named one of the 20 Best Albums of 2025 by KQED. After the performance, audience members will have the chance to ask questions and learn about the songwriting process.
This is a great opportunity to not only experience a great performance, but also learn from a successful singer/songwriter.
Thank you to the For the Song Charitable Fund for sponsoring this special event!
When: Thursday, November 5th, 4-5pm
Where: NMTS, 2590 Orovada St., Reno, NV 89512
Free and open to all!
Upcoming Events
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Let’s work together! We are hosting a Fall Community Clean Up event and we need your help to pick up litter and refresh our shared public spaces. Join us to keep our space beautiful, safe and clean.
Whether you can stay for 30 minutes or the entire morning, every bit of help makes a huge difference for our environment and community pride.
Snacks, drinks and gloves will be provided! Families, neighbors and volunteers of all ages are welcome.
Sign up to volunteer here.
Wednesday, October 7 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM
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Actor David DeSanctis (Where Hope Grows, Color My World with Love, These Stones) is taking over the first night of the Lucky Few Fall Festival and hosting an 80's Glow Party! Come dressed in your best 80s neon attire or Halloween costume and get ready for pizza and dancing!
This event is free with an optional $5 donation. The party is open to all ages. Children under the age of 12 must have a guardian stay for the duration of the party, but we encourage parents of all attendees to stay. Many parents stayed in years past and spent time with David's parents and it was a blast!
From 6-8:30 pm at NMTS
More information and tickets available here: https://www.dsnnn.org/event-details/davids-80s-glow-dance-party
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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, October 19, 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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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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Join singer-songwriter John Elliott for a free, family-friendly performance and songwriting workshop at NMTS. After the performance, audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the songwriting process. Thank you to the For the Song Charitable Fund for sponsoring this special event!
Thursday, November 5th | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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Thank Yous
Thank you to our September donors:
10 Torr Distilling and Brewing, Ashlee's Toy Closet, Mike and Anne-Louise Bennett, Kendra Bertschy, Andrea Borges, Tom and Ginny Braun, Daryl Butterfield and Jonathan Chapin from Reno Recipes Personal Chef and Catering, Shawna Carpenter, Syd Conser, April Conway, Michelle Cotton, Louise Deboo, Sally Duffy, Carlos Duran, Jena Esposito, FiftyFifty Brewing Company, John and Wendy Firestone, Frey Ranch, Friend of NMTS, Carol Galantuomini, Patricia Henderson, Beverly Hennen, Garrett Hintze, Maria Sandra Jimenez, Cynthia Lake Charitable Trust, Lisa Mancini, Skylar Mayhew, Susan Mazer-Smith and Dallas Smith, Mary Ann McCauley, Patti S. Meals, Olga Mesina, Cindy Oesterle-Prescott, Whitney Pomi, Reno Aces, Reno Jazz Orchestra, Reno Little Theater, Reno Philharmonic, Grace Schoenfeld, Dennyse Sewell, John Ben Snow Memorial Trust, Jared Taylor, Elizabeth Tetz, Townley-Wilson Family, Lindsey Tromerhauser, Pedro Velasco, Andy Walden, George Walden, Jonathan Wilson.
The NMTS monthly Music Makers giving crew:
Barb Anderson, Susan Boner, Dodie Bryant, Jody Call, Skyler Dillon & Thomas Lay, Leslie Doukas, Tiffany Dunseath, Cheryl Eckert, Nate and Tashina Eng, Wendy and John Firestone, Mary Lee Fulkerson, Eileen Fuller, CeCe Gable, Heather Gage, Rachel Gattuso, Karen Golonka and Family, Lindsey Tromerhauser, Carrie Harding, Beverly Hennen, Sharon Hickox and Jennifer Tibben, Daniel Hickox-Young, Jonathan Hickox-Young, Andy Hughes, Dina Hunsberger, Sandy Jacob and Mel Minarik, Ana Johnson, Kay Kephart, Nadia Khan, Lucy Knight, Michael Lahnala, Cathi Litz, Deborah Loesch-Griffin, Brad Lund and 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 and Bonnie Ragains, Lisa A Rizzoli, Cindy Sabatini, Nichole Schembre, Daniel Sion, Jake and Rachel Steinman, Jeannie Steinman, Judith Stewart, Sarah and Nate Toney, Elizabeth Van Zijl, Ken & Doreen Vogel, Lori and Don Welsh, Jonathan Wilson, Sandra Young, Tim Young and Jodie Barker
Thank you to our September volunteers:
Ashley Malek, Erin Suarez, Cheryl Eckert, Mallory Cotton, Adi Srivastava, Bill Sutman, River Bailey, Miguel Morales, Emma Kennedy, Laney Fitts, Ray Wilkes, Jeremy Wilson, Sarah Townley, Pedro Velasco, Roger, Milin Sekhon, Jenn Bunn, Sandra O'Donnell, Olivia O'Donnell, Maya Delgado, Donaji De Silverik, Rachel Graffam, Daphne Graffam, Jared McCorkle, Natasha Vincente, Shane Forsterm, Pam Russell, Debra Gallet, Jonathan Wilson, Xena Delgado, Ivan Gonzalez, Ayden Kruger-Crowe, Jason Clark, Mark Norris, Whitney Pomi, Lindsey Tromerhauser, Mary Ann McCauley, Jeremy Wilson, Skylar Mayhew, Michael Lahnala, Dave Stockman, Kendra Bertschy, Pat Sutman, Michael Lahnala, Becca Shipley, Tony Martin, Jeff Bloyd, Matthew Cotton, Cheryl Eckert, Pat Ragains Ken Vogel, Patti Rodriguez, Greg McNie, Jay Schwartz
Volunteer of the Month: Milin Sekhon!
Milin has been volunteering with NMTS for almost a year, sharing his love of music and his incredible willingness to help wherever he’s needed. From providing musical support in our group classes, events, and camps to helping at the front desk, setting up, and jumping in during events, Milin is always ready to lend a hand!
As an avid pianist, he says, “It truly warms my heart to see adaptability and accessibility in music. I look forward to the future, whether it be helping a student discover their musical passion or simply jamming out and having fun.”
We are so grateful to have Milin as part of our NMTS family. Thank you, Milin, for sharing your time, talents, and heart with our community!
