Performers on the Rise Benefit Concert set for April

Friday, February 5, 2010

Event to benefit Mya Gonzales Foundation and Rise School

(Stillwater, OK   February 5, 2010) -- The Oklahoma Music Therapists Association, Oklahoma State University Department of Music, the Mya Gonzales Foundation and OSU Greek Life will present Performers on the Rise at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 11 in the Seretean Center for Performing Arts on the OSU Campus. Proceeds from the benefit concert will go to the Mya Gonzales Foundation which provides support for the Rise School which is part of the Human Development and Family Science Department in the College of Human Environmental Sciences.

The concert will feature a variety of performers including an internationally known New York City tenor, performers from Triple C Music Therapy, OSU music department vocalists, orchestra and drum line, the Oklahoma All-State Honor Choir, and dancers from the New York City Ballet and Stillwater’s Encore Dance Studio.

Stillwater music therapist Robbin Buford who is directing the production says the concert will incorporate musicians with disabilities as well as typically developing and professional musicians ranging from young children to adults.

A reception will be held in the Conoco-Phillips OSU Alumni Center immediately following the concert.  A silent auction, music therapy exhibits, and painting demonstrations by children with autism are also planned for the event.

“We are very excited to be able to showcase the impact music therapy can have on individuals with special needs,” Buford said. “Concert guests will be able to experience collaboration between performers with disabilities, professional musicians, choreographers and theater directors in a public performance of the highest production standards.”

Rise School Director Rachel Stallings has seen the benefits music therapy has on children with disabilities.

“Music reaches students in ways other methods of learning can’t,” Stallings said. “They become more expressive and involved during the music therapy sessions.  Their progress is accelerated because of the music therapy.”

Mya Gonzales Foundation Chair Scott Jones said Performers on the Rise will not only be entertaining but educational as well.

“The Mya Gonzales Foundation supports children with special needs and their families. Performers on the Rise will showcase the amazing accomplishments of these special children,” Jones said. “The proceeds from the concert, will allow the foundation to continue its financial support to the families and the Rise School for music and other special therapies.”

Tickets range in price from $55-$125 and can be purchased by calling (405)612-3022, (202)642-3022 or on the Performers on the Rise website www.performersontherise.org.

For more information on Performers on the Rise, please contact Rise School Director Rachel Stallings at 405-744-7767; Scott Jones, 405-372-2230 or Stillwater Convention and Visitors Bureau, 405-743-3697. More information can also be found on the Performers on the Rise website http://www.performersontherise.org.