Birchtree’s students with autism enjoyed hosting musician Randy Armstrong as an Artist in Residence this May. Randy gave our students hands-on lessons in world music and percussion, taught our staff how to incorporate music-based instruction throughout the school day, and led our students in performing for their families during our spring Open House. The music lessons allowed many Birchtree students to develop their rhythm and motor skills and to focus their energy and attention.
For several students, music time with Randy was a highlight of their week that helped motivate their hard work at school. It was a fun, educational and memorable month for all!
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Thank you to the Arts Alliance of Northern New Hampshire and VSA NH, who provided the residency as part of their Arts in Inclusive Learning program, under a contract with the The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Thanks also to the Seacoast Rotary Club and Randy Armstrong for making this residency possible.
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Daily music-based instruction continues at The Birchtree Center. Thanks to the McIninch Foundation and several generous individuals, Birchtree’s students are able to use tone-bar instruments, keyboards, and hand percussion instruments every day at Birchtree.
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The Birchtree Center plans to host Randy Armstrong for another residency in 2017, again with the support of The Arts Alliance of Northern New Hampshire and VSA NH, which will provide the residency as part of their Arts in Inclusive Learning program, under a contract with the The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The 2017 residency is also made possible thanks to a grant from the Wireless Zone Foundation For Giving, with support from the Wireless Zone Verizon Premium Retailers of Hooksett, Plaistow, and the Concord Mall.