Music Therapy Awareness Week, to be observed Feb. 27 through March 3 and sponsored by the Music Therapy Club, will be commemorated through enlightening talks by professional music therapists and inspiring musical performances that are free and open to all students, faculty and community members.
The use of music therapy with individuals who have developmental disabilities will be addressed by alumna Amara May, MT-BC, on Monday, Feb. 27, at 2 p.m. in Williams Center Room G103 C. In her talk, Ms. May, a graduate student in Music Therapy, will discuss this population in general terms, outline how it can benefit from music therapy and also share her personal experiences of working with these clients as an intern, and now as a music therapist and clinical supervisor.
The transition from student to intern to professional will be explored by Fredonia alumna Rebecca Warren, MT-BC, on Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m., in Mason Hall Room 2019. The presentation by Ms. Warren, music therapist and clinical supervisor at Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, as well as a graduate student in Music Therapy, will help students navigate this often challenging journey.
“Spread the Word to End the Word” open mic night will be staged on Wednesday, March 1, from 6 to 8 p.m., at The Spot by Tim Hortons in the Williams Center. All those attending will be invited to perform, sign a banner and pledge to stop using the r-word. Several student a cappella groups will be featured.
Momentum Choir of Western New York, comprised of talented musicians living with a disability and modeled after the popular Momentum Niagara from Canada, will perform on Thursday, March 2, at 7 p.m. in Rosch Recital Hall. Since its inception in December 2015, the choir, under the direction of School of Music faculty member Dr. Joni Milgram-Luterman, has doubled its membership, sung to packed houses and received standing ovations. It will be the second performance at Fredonia of the choir, whose motto is “Belong, Believe, Inspire!” Erica Iocco, MT-BC, LCAT, serves as the choir’s accompanist. Ms. Iocco is a Fredonia graduate and currently serves as a clinical supervisor for Fredonia through her private practice. Videography produced by Ms. May, the choir’s administrative assistant and videographer, is an integral part of Momentum’s performances.
A recital featuring Music Therapy students and faculty will conclude the week on Friday, March 3, at 7 p.m. in Diers Recital Hall, Mason Hall. The program will illustrate professional music therapy competencies, featuring music therapy experiences and interventions that include singing, a kazoo choir and active movement songs, while also highlighting musical performances, presentations of case studies and testimonials. The recital counts as a concert for students enrolled in MUS 120 Concert Attendance.
May and Warren have both been recently honored as recipients of the annual Mid-Atlantic Region of the American Music Therapy Student Association (MARAMTS) Graduate Student Scholarship. The Mid-Atlantic Region encompasses New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia.
