That's despite the fact that Morgan has a deep love of music. For the past 18 months, he's attended music therapy, where he's not only learned to play the piano, but has greatly improved his communication skills.
But thanks to Sudbury Silver Birch String Quartet, Morgan is about to experience his first concert ever.
The group is presenting a sensory friendly concert April 9 geared specifically to the needs of those with developmental disabilities such as autism or Down Syndrome.
The 45-minute-long concert will be guided by Kylie Klym, a local registered psychotherapist and music therapist of Kadence Music Therapy.
She will lead the audience in optional movement, listening and vocalizing throughout the show.
Trish, the founder of Autism Coffee Chat, an online discussion group for parents of autistic kids, was brought in as a consultant by the concert's organizers.
“I'm pretty pumped to go,” said Trish, adding that if Morgan does well with this concert, she'll consider bringing him to mainstream functions.
Silver Birch member Jane Russell said she was inspired to organize the concert by her 13-year-old nephew, Calvin, who has autism and Down Syndrome.
She said she's performed in the past for the students at Jean Hanson Public School — which is attended by disabled students — and wanted to do something bigger for this segment of the population.
“I'm really excited to be tapping into a new community in Sudbury, one that maybe doesn't feel comfortable coming to a regular concert,” Russell said.
“There's going to be a new group of people that are going to be hearing live music for maybe the first time.”
The pay-what-you-can concert, which starts at 2 p.m. at St. Peter's United Church on York Street, features a number of accommodations for those with developmental disabilities. Here's a few examples:
- Musical selections are designed for a gentle build through the show, avoiding harsh transitions.
- There will be no traditional applause — the audience will instead be encouraged to use sign language applause.
- A quiet area will be created in the lobby if anyone needs a break from the concert.
- Instead of the traditional paper program, an over-sized program will be posted on the wall.
- Gentle images will be displayed on a screen onstage, including images of nature, bubbles and soft colours.
- Extra space will be created for inspired movement. Dance and movement are welcome.
- An “Instrument Petting Zoo” will take place after the performance, featuring a selection of musical instruments available to touch and play.
For more information, visit SilverBirchStringQuartet.com.
