In conjunction with April’s Autism Awareness Month, The Help Group and Music for Autism are pleased to announce their next free interactive concert will be held in Sherman Oaks on Sunday, April 19th at 2:00 p.m.
Back by popular demand, the concert will feature QuattroSound, a fresh, new and innovative ensemble that fuses Classical Crossover, Latin Pop and Modern Jazz to produce a performance to be remembered. The young and talented musicians of QuattroSound have earned a well-established and highly respected presence in the recording and live performance industries. The music is composed and/or arranged by group members Giovanna Clayton (cello & vocals), Leah Zeger (violin & vocals), Kayta Matsuno (guitar & vocals) and Jorge Villanueva (percussion & vocals). QuattroSound’s musical appeal has engaged audiences of all ages and musical tastes.
Music for Autism concerts provide an opportunity for families to enjoy an uplifting afternoon of world-class music in a setting where all are welcome and included. Music for Autism U.S. Founder and President Dr. Robert Accordino explains, “Families impacted by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) contend with children who exhibit behaviors that may be misunderstood or considered disruptive in public spaces. These misjudgments occur even more poignantly in part because children with autism appear physically “typical.” Consequently, many families who have a child with autism simply avoid public spaces altogether. Our goal at Music for Autism is to create an extraordinary and interactive musical concert in a judgment-free environment.”
There are several ways families can prepare for the concert. Music for Autism’s website offers a social story families can download which comes with instructions on how to use it, and helps families rehearse for the experience of the concert and its interactive components. The website also features an interactive musical zoo that allows concert participants to get used to some of the sounds they might hear at the event.
The one-hour interactive concert is divided into three segments – “concert time”, “conducting time” and “percussion time.” Throughout the performance, 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.
Help Group President & CEO Dr. Barbara Firestone shared, “We’re proud to celebrate five years as the West Coast partner for Music for Autism. This dynamic organization does so much to raise public awareness and enrich the lives of individuals with autism and their families through the joy and power of music. We extend a warm welcome to families throughout Southern California to join us on April 19th.”
The concert will take place at The Help Group Autism Center Theater, 13164 Burbank Blvd, Sherman Oaks, California 91401.
To ensure equal access for all, Music for Autism concerts are free for those with autism and their families, but RSVPs are required. Please RSVP at the Concert Calendar (preferred) or by calling 877.863.7473×1.
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.