September 2025
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, hold space for honest conversations, and support those navigating mental health challenges. It reminds us how important it is to talk openly about pain, offer compassion, and strengthen the connections that help people feel seen and supported.
Music can play a powerful role in creating and maintaining connections. It gives voice to emotions we struggle to express, creates presence, and builds community. Whether someone is facing depression, anxiety, trauma, or loss, music can meet them where they are—without judgment, and with understanding.
At Note-Able Music Therapy Services, we provide a space where people of all ages and abilities can explore music as a tool for expression and connection. Our board-certified music therapists offer creative, evidence-based support rooted in empathy and inclusion. Sometimes, it starts with simply listening.
If you’re looking for ideas on how music can help with stress, depression, or anxiety, we recommend visiting the American Music Therapy Association. We’re also here to be a resource—feel free to reach out by phone or email. Our team is here for you.
Manal Toppozada, Executive Director and Founder
Your Seat is Waiting…
This is no ordinary showcase.
Reno’s arts community will shine this September as NMTS presents the first-ever Music Makers Showcase—a vibrant celebration of the supporters, donors, participants, and community members who make our work possible.
Whether you’re a lifelong music lover, seeking a night of uplifting entertainment, or simply curious to see our music therapists in action, this concert promises an inspiring blend of genres designed to spark joy and connection for all.
By joining us, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring people of all ages and abilities have access to adaptive music and therapy programs—breaking down financial barriers while fostering creativity, connection, and community.
The evening’s lineup will feature performances by The Note-Ables, the Sapphire Jazz Ensemble Quintet, singer/songwriter Anthony Postman, a moving duet by Elizabeth & Peter Lenz, NMTS staff musicians, and more. Guests can also enjoy raffle prizes and beverages available for purchase.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Time: 7:00–9:00 PM
Location: Jerry Smith Auditorium, NMTS – 2590 Orovada St., Reno, NV 89512
Tickets: $35 General Admission | $45 VIP Seating
(Limited quantities available – advance purchase recommended)
The Music Makers Showcase is more than a concert—it’s a spotlight on community, creativity, and the many ways music shapes and reflects who we are. Join us for an evening that promises connection, celebration, and song.
Art After Hours
NMTS’ Debut Art Reception
with Daniela Schnebly
We’ll be hosting our first public art reception at NMTS this month, featuring the work of Daniela Schnebly. Since purchasing a building, we have been looking forward to collaborating with local artists. Using our auditorium as a gallery space surrounds our participants and staff with unique and thought-provoking art. It also has the potential to expose people to fine art who might not have access to it.
Having lived and worked all over the U.S., Schnebly now resides in Reno. Currently working with found objects and focusing on sustainability, Schnebly creates innovative pieces, with images ranging from modern abstracts to whimsical flora and fauna.
Come have a glass of wine, light snacks, and meet the artist. Perhaps you’ll come away with an original piece of art for your home!
Click here to read the artist’s bio
When | September 10th | 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Where | NMTS auditorium | 2590 Orovada St | Reno
There will also be a short rehearsal performance by NMTS’ adaptive dance class participants to prepare for their upcoming show at the Reno Dance Festival.
Bravo, Dance Crew!
The NMTS Dance Troupe shines at Dog Days of Summer Festival
The NMTS Dance Troupe lit up the stage at this year’s Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival, performing “No Others” with passion, confidence, and joy. Their routine was a highlight of the evening and a beautiful reflection of the heart of NMTS.
Hosted by the Pioneer Center as a spotlight event for the SPCA of Northern Nevada, the festival gathered local dance companies, a vibrant community crowd, and even a few four-legged friends. Amid all the talent, our troupe shined the brightest. Maybe we’re a little biased—but click below and see for yourself!
Watch the full performance of “No Others” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l0QWPgEgKM
And don’t worry if you missed it—you can catch the troupe again at the Reno Dance Festival on September 19, 2025. More details on this upcoming event can be found here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/reno-dance-festival--2025
Welcome Our Newest NMTS Team Member
Anabella Ortiz, Communications Coordinator
Anabella is a fifth-generation Reno native with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from the University of Nevada, Reno. Before joining NMTS, she worked with several local nonprofits and small businesses, specializing in grant writing, social media strategy, and community engagement. Her work has always been guided by a passion for helping people and organizations share their stories in ways that reflect their mission and impact. She combines her background in psychology and storytelling with a commitment to building stronger, more connected communities. Anabella is excited to bring her creativity and passion for storytelling to NMTS, where the arts are embraced as a powerful tool for connection and inclusion. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, yoga, exploring new creative projects, and spending time with her loved ones.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
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11:15 am - 12:00 pm 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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5:30 - 7:30pm at NMTS
We will be hosting our very first public art reception at NMTS this month, featuring the work of Daniela Schnebly.
Come have a glass of wine, light snacks, and meet the artist. Perhaps you’ll come away with an original piece of art for your home!
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7:00 - 9:00pm at NMTS
Join The Note-Ables, NMTS staff, and friends for a super fun evening of music here in the NMTS Auditorium.
Don’t miss this great evening of live music from the NMTS community!
CLICK HERE to get your tickets!
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Location: 2590 Orovada Street, Reno | Time: 4:00pm | Cost: Free
Join us for an intimate afternoon as Cliff Porter, acclaimed vocalist and storyteller, performs the music of Donny Hathaway with the RJO Quartet. Between songs, Porter will reflect on Hathaway’s life, artistry, and enduring impact on American soul music. Presented in partnership with NMTS and Northern Nevada HOPES, this event also highlights upcoming workshops designed to support mental health through music and community connection.
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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 - 7:20 pm at NMTS
Come sing along to Mamma Mia (rated PG-13) for this Friday Fun Night event!
Pick up is NO LATER than 7:30 p.m. This movie is open to all ages, but please be aware that it is rated PG-13. All 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: 2590 Orovada Street, Reno | Time: 10:00am - Noon | Cost: Free, donations accepted
Community leaders, therapists, and lived-experience advocates will gather for a candid panel discussion on mental health, resilience, and recovery. The panel will be followed by interactive music and movement activities facilitated by NMTS staff. Participants will leave with tools and resources for improved mental health and wellbeing.
August Thank Yous
Thank you to our August 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.