Playback - Spring 2008 - (Page 28)

NAMM FOUNDATION Moments of Healing VoluNTEERS AT ThE MuSEuM oF MAkING MuSIC IN ThE NAMM hEADquARTERS ARE PASSIoNATE ABouT MuSIC AND ThE EFFECT IT CAN hAVE oN PEoPlE’S lIVES. We asked them to share a few of their own observations gained from working at the museum. And while these aren’t scientific, they are touching and validate the need for further research about the benefits of making music. I recently gave a tour to an Alzheimer’s group. They were quiet through the first two galleries, and I really didn’t know if I was getting through to them. Then, at the third gallery, I played the song ‘Caldonia’ and suddenly, some of them began to smile and to dance, and you just knew that the music had an effect on these people.” Naomi Marblestone I had some children with special needs on my tour. Two girls couldn’t speak and were confined to wheelchairs. After making their own shake-and-play instruments, their faces lit up when we helped them use them. During the drum circle, I wasn’t sure whether the children would be able to play specific rhythms on the drums. On the contrary, they learned the beats and were so delighted to show others so they could copy them. Music does make a difference in the minds of the challenged—it is soothing to them and makes them happy. I saw that so much with my own mother.” Judy Hauth After inserting the disc in the Clavinova, an elderly man with Parkinson’s disease was able to play in less than five minutes, as his wife stood behind him in tears.” Dee Vinton The 2008 Best Communities for Music Education—Did Your Town Make the Grade? The NAMM Foundation just completed its ninth annual Best Communities for Music Education poll, honoring the most musicfriendly towns in America. Communities ranking high in the poll receive both local and national media recognition, helping to reinforce to the public the value of high-quality school music programs. Some schools have even saved their music education departments from budget cuts after being included on the list. Is your city mentioned? Visit www.nammfoundation.org in early April to find out. 28 PLAYback http://www.nammfoundation.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Playback - Spring 2008

Playback - Spring 2008 Contents From the President NAMM Events Music in the News Bringing Recreational Music Making to Iraq Commercial Retail Reps in the Field New Domestic Members International Washington Watch NAMM Foundation Music Notes Resources Viewpoint

Playback - Spring 2008

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