Back by popular demand, dynamic vocalist, Diane Fraser, made her fifth guest appearance on April 23 at the 2017 Music for Autism spring concert at The Help Group’s Autism Center Theater in Sherman Oaks. Joining her on stage was the talented performance artist, Juliana Hansen, and award winning song writer, Michael Levine with musical direction. The free, interactive concert, “Disney on Sunday,” was open to individuals with autism and their families and featured performances of Disney-themed songs.
Music for Autism concerts are divided into three segments – “concert time”, “conducting time” and “percussion time,” and concertgoers are free to leave their seats to move, to dance, to help conduct the music, and at the end, to join in making music. Music for Autism provides an opportunity for families to enjoy an uplifting afternoon of live music in a setting where all are welcome and included.
“Michael, Juliana and I were honored to sing for the enthusiastic audience at The Help Group,” shared Diane Fraser. “Concert-goers seemed to love the Disney repertoire, and what makes these concerts so wonderful is to see and hear so many of the children join in on the songs, and enjoy the music. It’s always such a fulfilling experience to take part in Music for Autism.”
It was truly a fun day for the families in our community. Our thanks to everyone involved, including Diane, Juliana and Michael for lending their musical talents, and to the wonderful Help Group volunteers for helping to support our community event!
About Music for Autism
Music for Autism is enhancing quality of life and raising public awareness through autism-friendly, interactive concerts developed specifically for individuals with autism and their families. The concerts, held in the United States and the United Kingdom, feature professional musicians, including Tony Award winners, Grammy-nominated classical artists, and Pulitzer Prize winners.
- (L-R) Michael Levine on piano, and Juliana Hansen and Diane Fraser on vocals, pictured with a concert guest
- Diane Fraser joined on stage by a concert-goer
- Juliana Hansen singing a Disney tune during “concert time” when guests are free to leave their seats and join in making music
- Pamela Clark, Director Help Group Autism Schools joins guests during “concert time” to dance to the Disney tunes
- Michael, Juliana, Diane with student artwork and flowers as a token of The Help Group’s appreciation, and Bradley Shahine, Help Group Director of Public Affairs
- Michael leading guests in a musical activity
- Guests enjoying the dance floor
- The talented trio singing Disney-themed songs for the more than 100 audience members
- Dancing to the tunes
- Diane, Michael and Juliana with concert-goers
- Music for Autism concerts are designed for families and young people of all ages
- Concert guests can enjoy live music in an interactive and welcoming space
- Parents and children can move around freely and dance to the music during concerts
- Our thanks to the Music for Autism volunteers in yellow t-shirts and to Michael, Juliana and Diane for such a great concert!