Contact: Patrick Smith, Artistic Director
Telephone: 1-866-859-0634 / 250-629-6219
Fax: 250-629-6419
Email: info@ptarmigansociety.org
Web: www.ptarmigansociety.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MUSIC FOR SPECIAL NEEDS
Utilizing the Arts to Support and Heal
Southern Gulf Islands, British Columbia – April, 2009
The Ptarmigan Music & Theatre Society is proud to announce the ongoing, successful operation of their MUSIC FOR SPECIAL NEEDS program over the last 10 years. MUSIC FOR SPECIAL NEEDS provides individuals with disabilities and special needs the opportunity for self expression and personal growth through creative development, while assisting them to integrate with their communities and prevent their isolation.
Working with input from accredited Music Therapists, Physiotherapists and Early Childhood Educators, the workshops for this program are conducted by a wide variety of artists, including musicians, Kodály music instructors, percussionists, dance and movement instructors, theatrical specialists, story-tellers, film makers, visual artists and crafts people. Whenever possible, instructors who have disabilities or special needs themselves are hired in order to provide empowering role models for the participants, while personalized programs are designed for each individual based on an assessment of their needs.
The MUSIC FOR SPECIAL NEEDS program focuses on the following goals:
- promoting socialization and interaction with others
- building self esteem through validation and successful musical experience
- promoting communication skills and emotional expression
- developing concentration skills and learning ability
- increasing auditory skills
- developing hand-eye coordination, as well as gross and fine motor skills
- providing an opportunity for enjoyment and creative expression
To ensure their workshops and events are non-discriminatory, the Ptarmigan Society strives to make their programs affordable, if not free of charge, as often as possible. As result, Ptarmigan relies on donations from government agencies, corporate sponsors and private individuals, and couldn’t operate without community support. Please note that the Ptarmigan Music & Theatre Society is a registered charity and issues tax receipts for financial donations or donations in kind, including musical instruments, art supplies, computers, A/V equipment, t-shirts, or alternately welcomes professional accounting and legal services, catering for workshops, printing of brochures and posters, BC Ferry vouchers and other transportation expenses to assist them in their operations.
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If you would like more information on Ptarmigan’s MUSIC FOR SPECIAL NEEDS program, or to schedule an interview with Patrick Smith, Artistic Director, please call 1-866-859-0634 or email: info@ptarmigansociety.org