COLLABORATIONS
Collaborating on programs & events is one of Music is Art's cornerstones. So many organizations are doing great things for our community and we love to lend a hand where we can.
CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
Music is Art is proud to partner with the Friends of the Japanese Garden on their annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Involved since this festival began, Music is Art has brought music and art to the festivities.
Mark your calendars for May 1-5, 2019 and click the link below for more information.
ARTIST SHOWCASES @ GCR AUDIO
Music is Art in conjunction with GCR Audio announces five artist showcases throughout 2019. Inhabiting Robby Takac’s GCR Audio as a unique gallery space, each showcase will feature the work of an individual artist.
All Showcases are free and open to the public from 5pm - 10pm. Additional viewings of work are available by appointment. All artwork is available for purchase with all proceeds benefiting the artists. Complimentary beverages provided.
GCR Audio is located at the corner of North and Franklin Streets 564 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY, 14202, 716-381-9608
For additional information contact Don Keller at kellerx@roadrunner.com / 716-773-7747
ROCK4RYAN CONCERTS
The Rock4Ryan Concert Program was created to honor late board chair, Ryan Casullo and his love for music, especially live music. In Ryan's memory, Music is Art would like to give the opportunity for deserving youth to attend a live concert performance.
Ryan's love for concerts was infectious to those around him. Whether he was jamming at a show or at home, music was the motivation he used to give back to so many in our community. At Music is Art, our mission is to inspire and ignite a passion for music. We hope that the students chosen will not only enjoy themselves but be inspired to be a difference maker in our community.
NURS'N BLUES
Buffalo, New York (February 23, 2018) – Music is Art is proud to announce a new collaboration with the Blues Society of Western New York on an innovative music therapy program created right here in Western New York that is nationally recognized by the Blues Foundation in Memphis, TN.
The Nurs’n Blues Program takes an eclectic approach in serving adolescents and young adults who suffer from chemical dependency. Combining blues history with music interventions targeting specific goal areas, Nurs’n Blues seeks to provide healing, growth, and coping skills for those battling addiction.
This program, created by local blues musician and nurse, Patti Parks, offers a unique service, educating clients on blues history while combining music therapy interventions. Through the use of musical prescriptives, a board certified music therapist addresses self-esteem issues, appropriate emotional expression, improved social interactions, interpersonal relationships, and trigger coping skills. Music therapy is the clinical and evidenced-based use of music to achieve specific individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship.
Music therapists are trained in using music in a controlled manner. When a therapist first meets clients, goals of treatment are established and a plan of care is implemented using music interventions like lyric analysis, lyric identification, songwriting, rhythm circles, drawing to music, and movement to music. Sheila Connors, the therapist working with the Nurs’n Blues program is excited to have assisted over 600 clients since the program’s inception.
“I think as a community we would be hard pressed to find someone who’s life hasn’t been touched by addiction in some way. When we read through the stories from people who have benefitted from this program we knew we had to be involved.” Said Music is Art executive director, Tracy Fletcher, “Music is Art’s mission includes the words cultural, educational, and social…the Nurs’n Blues program speaks to all of that.”
"The Blues Society of WNY is honored to collaborate with Music is Art to expand the Nurs'n Blues program. The testimonials we have received from clients and administrators at Horizon Village, along with the growing demand for this program, confirms for us that music therapy is a relevant and beneficial vehicle." said Adrienne Thompson, Blues Society of WNY President.
“Horizon Village Campus is a residential program currently serving 100 men and women battling substance use disorders. One of our goals when treating someone is to help them develop the skills and resources they need, not only to achieve, but to succeed in their recovery. Over the last few years, the Nurs’n Blues Program has been coming to our campus, offering residents the opportunity to participate in and experience their program.” Anne Constantino, President and CEO explains. “Our residents are given the opportunity to examine emotions and self-esteem, enhance their positivity, empower themselves through success and enhance mindfulness and relaxation techniques. We at Horizon can sincerely attest to the benefits of this program; the energy and positivity from program facilitators is nothing short of inspiring. On behalf of Horizon Village Campus, I would like to thank the Nurs’n Blues program for providing such a wonderful opportunity to our residents, and for helping them open communication channels and create a positive introspection to their recovery."
Information on this program and others can be found at:
LANCE DIAMOND MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
As a tribute to our late, great friend Mr. Lance Diamond, Music is Art has set up the Lance Diamond Memorial Scholarship to be awarded each year. Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to apply for funds to help them with expenses relating to higher education, music lessons, or music based summer camps. The committee will award up to $1,000 a year based on applications received between January 1 and March 31. Scholarship recipients will be notified by June 1st.