February
2024
Hello –
As we honor and celebrate Black History Month, I want to take a moment to recognize the profound impact of music in the African American community and its contribution to our shared cultural heritage.
Music has always played a vital role in the African American experience, serving as a powerful tool for self-expression, resilience, and social change. From spirituals and gospel to jazz, blues, and hip-hop, the rich tapestry of African American music has shaped the cultural landscape of our nation and continues to inspire and uplift.
This Black History Month, I invite you to join us in celebrating the incredible contributions of African American musicians, artists, and activists who have used music as a platform for social justice and change. Let us honor their legacy by embracing the power of music to foster understanding, unity, and equality.
Thank you for your continued support of NMTS and our mission to create lasting change through music. Together, we are making a difference.
Manal Toppozada, Executive Director and Founder
New Caregiver Support Group
NMTS is very excited to announce a new FREE Caregiver Support Group starting Tuesday February 6th from 5:30-6:30p. This will be a recurring group happening every Tuesday for all parents and caregivers.
Groups will be designed to provide stress relief for those who provide care for others. They will be a chance to make connections in new and creative ways. A music therapist will lead participants in discovering strategies for self care utilizing a familiar tool: music.
There will also be onsite music groups so that caregivers have some respite and can focus on their own needs while knowing that their loved ones are safe and having fun.
Pre-registration is required. Please email Sharon at sharon@nmtsreno.org or click the button below.
In Case You Missed It:
Nevada Cinderella Pageant
A few of our NMTS participants competed in this year's Nevada Cameo Cinderella Pageant January 12th. We are so proud to see these lovely ladies take the stage to show the community their talent, poise and spirit. Way to go!!
It's also exciting to see our community embracing and upholding beauty inclusivity. Thanks to the Nevada State Cinderella Pageant program for making this special day possible
Congratulations to Aireonna, Bev, Marci, and Julia!
You can see more pictures like these and stay up to date with what’s happening at NMTS by following us on all our social platforms!
NMTS in the News
Championing community growth! Note-Able Music Therapy Services actively engages with local news outlets, featuring in articles and interviews, as exemplified by our director, Manal, in her recent conversation with KOLO Channel 8. These media appearances reflect our commitment to making a lasting impact within both local and national communities. When you spot us on your TV screens, it's a testament to our ongoing expansion. We are dedicated to fostering awareness, building meaningful connections, and amplifying our presence to enhance the reach and impact of NMTS!
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
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Ready to find love or a new bestie? The Down Syndrome Network of Northern Nevada is hosting a singles mixer for Valentine's Day! Whether you are looking for love or a new friend, they have the event for you! The DSNNN is excited to co-host this event with JUSTin Hope. They will be at The Garden of Reno from 6-9p serving mocktails and catering from Chilis. Register by clicking here
Staff Playlist Love Song Edition!
Sam: Leanna Firestone - Smitten
A song I’ve been listening to is “Smitten” by Leanna Firestone. This song, to me, encapsulates the value of love in a healthy relationship and emphasizes the traits that make someone so special to you.
Wendy: Emeli Sande - Next to Me
When I think of love songs that fit my relationship, this heartfelt ballad of infinite perfection always comes to mind. I can't listen to it without my cheeks getting wet as I feel the strength of my journey with John being articulated so clearly. So, I dedicate this month's song to the love of my life, my best friend, the heart of my heart, John Firestone. And I must add that Emeli Sandi is a genius songstress with an incredible voice. If you are not familiar with her, I highly recommend checking her out!
Nate: Helado Negro - I Just Want To Wake Up With You
This song captures the warmth and feeling of love beautifully. The laid-back vocals, pocket drums, and textured synth lines weave a vibe that is fun, light, and sweet. The lyrics drive home that sweetness and feeling of love, 'walk slow, dance fast, let's turn around now...I just wanna wake up with you'.
Elizabeth: Tasha - Kind of Love
Tasha Viets-VanLear, known by her first name, is a musician from Chicago. Much of her music is about political activism and/or self-love. This sweet and dreamy song, "Kind of Love," could easily be applied to a loving relationship with another person, but I like the idea of falling back in love with yourself and with the beauty of this great and terrible world in which we coexist. Listening to Tasha's music leaves me feeling peace and serenity.
Manal: Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven
My song this month is about love, loss, and memories. Eric Clapton recently filmed an intimate concert to support the children of Gaza, and this was the song he opened with. It was one of the first songs I ever played in a music therapy group and it's always had a special place in my heart. Clapton wrote this song after his four-year-old son died in a tragic accident. Hearing it now and thinking about the thousands of beloved children who have been killed and the thousands more who have lost their parents is just heartbreaking. It is a reminder to cherish every moment with our loved ones.
Sharon: Sweet Honey and the Rock - Wanting Memories
This is a song about love, but not necessarily a love song. This has long been a favorite of mine and especially so a few years ago when my mom died. It is about losing someone you love and realizing that they actually will always be a part of who you are. I was with my mom when she died, and I held her hand and listened to this song with her right after she passed. My daughter-in-law lost her mother to brain cancer last week and I shared this song with her and my son. I have been listening to it a lot myself.
Dena: Grandpaboy - Eyes Like Sparks
This went on the mixed CD I made my boyfriend for our first Valentine's Day.
Imani: Love Like You (feat. Rebecca Sugar) - Steven Universe
Alright, so is this a song from an animated TV series on Nickelodeon? Yes. It is also the most beautiful love song you will ever hear? Probably, yes. What is special about this love song is that, a least from my perspective, it’s not about romantic love; it more sounds like a song my mother would sing to me. Listening to this is like a flower blooming in my chest and I always have to call my mom after I hear it.
Cony: Gente de Zona - La Gozadera (feat. Marc Anthony)
I love this song because culture is music you can always be uplifted and supported through it.
Eric: The National Parks - Chance
I love the way this song points out both the vulnerability and the excitement that comes with love and relationships. My partner and I also went to see 'The National Parks' for our first concert together, so this song has a really special meaning to me.
Alice: Nat King Cole - L-O-V-E
The song I want to share for February is an oldie but a goodie and is called L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole. It's one of my favorite songs, and every time I hear it, it makes me happy!
January Thank Yous
Thank you to our January donors: Americana Arts Foundation, Shannon Beets, Kendra Bertschy, Susan Boner, Carol Brown, John Drakulich, Eaton Dunkelberger, Cheryl Eckert, Wendy and John Firestone, CeCe Gable, Carrie Harding, Michael Hix, Katie Grace Foundation, Brad Lund, Lynda Mahorter, Sophie Moeller, Nevada Arts Council, Robert Z Hawkins Foundation, Jeannie Steinman, Kate Sweeney, and Ken Vogel
Extra thanks to our monthly giving crew: Barb Anderson, Susan Boskoff, Dodie Bryant, Michelle Burke, Jody Call, Skyler Dillon, Leslie Doukas, Tiffany Dunseath, MaryLee Fulkerson, Heather Gage, Rachel Gattuso, Mary Jo Gieseke, Karen Golonka, Beverly Hennen, Sharon Hickox and Jennie Tibben, Jonathan Hickox-Young, Andy Hughes, Dina Hunsberger, Sandy Jacob, Ana Johnson, Nadia Khan, Lucille Knight, Michael Lahnala, Deanna Lyons, Pam Macy, LuAnn Miller, Pauline Mooers, Meghan Ochs, Rikki Powers, Lisa A Rizzoli, Jake Steinman, Judith Stewart, Sarah Toney, Jonathan Wilson, Sandra Young, and Tim Young
Thank you volunteers: Reyna Aguinaldo, Kendra Bertschy, Cheryl Eckert, Mike Hix, Andy Hughes, Audrey Irwin, Michael Lahnala, Greg McNie, Diana Medina, Chris Middleton, Sophie Moeller, Rafael Mojica, Jordan Nakao, Jake Steinman, Dave Stockman, Ethan Ware, Hiroka Winter, Shiho Winter
