The welcome address from Theresa’s 21st Birthday Party

 

Theresa loved music… all types of music.  I would play Motown and classical music for her, and her dad was always bounce her around to his favorite Rock and Roll songs.  You know that song… “Shake It Up Baby – Twist and Shout”.

 

Music is a gift, a blessing.  It is part of every culture and is meant to be shared.  One of my favorite proverbs comes from Zimbabwe:

 

“If you can walk, you can dance.

If you can talk, you can sing.”

 

And for Theresa, music was a very big part of her life.  Theresa made beautiful music with her giggles and smiles.

 

The Foundation has supported music therapy programs in school and special settings for over thirteen years.  The very idea of music as a healing modality dates back to the beginnings of history.  Some of the earliest mentions are found in the writings of Greek philosophers.

 

Live music was used in hospitals after both of the World Wars as part of the recuperation process for the injured soldiers.  In an educational or therapeutic setting, the music therapist often compliments and supports the work of the speech/language therapist, the teacher, the physical therapist, and the like.

 

Music therapy is based on the belief that everyone can respond to music, no matter how ill or disabled.  Music therapy can enhance communication, and enable children to live more creatively and resourcefully.

 

Thank you for bringing music to our children with special needs. Enjoy the evening!

 

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