Minnetonka Symphony Orchestra presents: Sensory Friendly Concerts(TM) for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum

The Music Association of Minnetonka (M.A.M.) Symphony Orchestra is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its popular “Spooktacular” concert. A new twist is being added to the free performance held on Sunday, October 18, at 3:00 p.m., at the Minnetonka Community Center. This year, the Symphony Orchestra will partner with The Musical Autist and Toneworks Community Foundation to offer an accommodated concert experience for autistic individuals in the community.

Roger Hoel, Artistic Director for the Music Association of Minnetonka, says, “I love this idea. These people are coming because they want to hear the beauty and joy of the music and we want to share that with them! M.A.M. has always supported outreach efforts that put community members first. I think it’s wonderful that we are creating an environment in which all individuals can experience our music and have fun.”

Sensory Friendly Concerts are inclusive, interactive concerts specifically aimed at accommodating individuals with disabilities and their families. These concerts provide equal access to quality musical experiences by allowing audience members to enjoy a concert free of the rules that are typically required. Accommodations are provided including noise-reduction headphones, fidgets to hold, scarves to wave, and quiet spaces.

The musicians in the Minnetonka Symphony Orchestra are excited to have audience members actually join them on stage for one of the orchestral pieces. Kelly Burns, a cello player in the ensemble and a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, claims that listening to music centers her son. “My son plays the cello and he gets lost in the music,” she says. “Providing an opportunity for other kids to experience live music is amazing. Personally, I think it’s the best type of outreach we can do.”

Lyndie Walker, a Board Certified Music Therapist at Toneworks Music Therapy and Director of Programming for The Musical Autist, has organized Sensory Friendly Concerts™ in the Twin Cities with several chamber groups, but this is her first time collaborating with a complete symphony orchestra.

“Throughout my experiences with the Minnetonka Symphony Orchestra, I am continually impressed by their dedication to making music experiences available to the community. It takes quality organizations to recognize the need for accommodated experiences and to commit to meeting that need.”

Spooktacular has traditionally been a family-friendly concert. Audience members are invited to come dressed up in costume, and the musicians will be dressed up as well. The concert’s second show is performed at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum on Sunday, October 25, at 3:00 p.m.

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