“Jennifer Schwenker’s twin sons have a love of classical music,” writes Sheila M. Poole in Tuesday’s (3/8) Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Benjamin and Samuel, 13, though, sometimes find it hard to sit still during performances. When her sons, who have moderate-to-severe autism, get excited or overly stimulated, they may flap their arms, which can be distracting to others in the audience.… The Georgia Symphony Orchestra wants to make such visits easier for parents of autistic children. The Marietta-based GSO, in collaboration with Autism Speaks, will hold a ‘sensory-friendly concert’ at 2 p.m. Saturday … The concert, which will feature selections from classical music to the 21st century, is designed for people with autism.… ‘It’s a common trait in many people with autism, that they have a connection to music,’ said Susan Stensland, GSO’s executive director. ‘We wondered how many people could benefit from a concert designed for children with special needs.’ … The sensory-friendly concert will be the first of its kind for the Cobb County-based orchestra, and it will … allow individuals to have more room to move around and dance, if necessary. Concertgoers are also invited to sing, hum or make as many sounds as they want.” Read Symphony magazine’s report on sensory-friendly orchestra concerts here.
Posted March 9, 2016
