Immediate Press Release - August 30, 2010
SPECIAL INVITATION: MUSIC & WELLNESS OPENHOUSE AT SOLDIERS ANGELS IN SAN ANTONIO
WHO: WOUNDED WARRIORS, MUSIC & WELLNESS VOLUNTEERS, ALAMO MUSIC, YAMAHA MUSIC & WELLNESS INSTITUTE AND DREAMS FULFILLED THROUGH MUSIC
WHEN: WEDNESDAY, SEPT 1, 2010
WHERE: SOLDIERS ANGELS - 4408 N Pan AM EXPRESSWAY (BAMC EXIT), SAN ANTONIO EXIT, 78233
MORE INFO:
Mary Kathryn Archuleta (210) 771-5809
Kevin Higgins (Alamo Music) (210) 224-1010
Mark Taglianetti (210) 629-0020
August 30, 2010
Yamaha Music & Wellness Institute
Recreational Music Making Aids
Wounded Warrior at the Soldiers’ Angels Facility
Buena Park, CA – Yamaha Music & Wellness Institute (YMWI) announced today the nation’s first Clavinova Connection program to serve Wounded Warriors at the Soldiers’ Angels Facility in San Antonio, Texas. This unique program represents the collaborative efforts of Soldiers’ Angels, Dreams Fulfilled through Music, Alamo Music and YMWI.
The Yamaha Clavinova Connection is an enjoyable group-based program that enables individuals to play beautiful music from the start without the need for prior experience or practice. Based on a series of high-tech electronic pianos featuring an inviting user-friendly interface, the program was designed to foster creative expression in a manner that brings people together to support and nurture each other.
“This evidence-based program has been the focus of extensive scientific research. It offers unparalleled opportunities that can lead to improved quality of life for soldiers and their families,” noted medical researcher and YMWI CEO, Barry Bittman, MD. “This is a meaningful step for bringing servicemen and women together with their families to support each other through the healing power of music.”
YMWI Program Specialist, Lori Frazer added, “I was deeply moved by the Soldiers’ Angels mission statement, ‘May no soldier go unloved.’ Their vision of service makes a remarkable difference in the lives of wounded veterans, deployed service members and their families.”
Capt. Sean Thomas recently participated in the program and said, “As a Wounded Warrior myself, having gone through occupational therapy and other treatments, I can see from the onset that this program will be an invaluable resource for veterans of many different generations. It will help them improve coordination and dexterity as well as regain the utility and functionality of their own bodies and minds.”
Mary Kathryn Archuleta, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Dreams Fulfilled through Music added, “Our aspirations for the Warriors are centered on enabling them to experience the enjoyment of making music. The Clavinova Connection will allow them to become participants rather than observers, which ultimately leads to the sharing of their talent with others. We want to extend our appreciation to the soldiers and their families in a way that gives them a sense of empowerment and accomplishment.”
Alfredo Flores Jr., owner of Alamo Music agrees. “For 45 years it’s been my mission to put music into peoples lives. When a person plays at any level, the ills of life depart and eventually melt away. Many wounds will begin to be healed for Wounded Warriors who learn, play and share their music at the Soldiers’ Angels facility. We feel privileged to serve those who have placed their lives on the line for us.”
Kevin Higgins, a salesperson at Alamo Music, initially saw the possibilities. An amazing young man who lost his leg in a motorcycle accident in 1997, he found his way by playing the piano. “The program isn’t just an opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument. Rather, it’s a gift that must be shared with every wounded veteran. We owe them the help they need to get their lives back on track. That’s music to my ears!”
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A fund-raising opportunity to support the program is being carried out by Dreams Fulfilled Through Music, P.O. Box 40548, San Antonio, TX 78229. Website: www.dreamsfulfilledthoughmusic.org. For more information about how to support this program, contact Mary Kathryn Archuleta at 210-771-5809; email:
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We believe that Music Transforms the Quality of Life!
There is an abundance of available music education for able children & adults who do not have any learning challenges. However, for challenged individuals, such opportunities are very limited. Not only do individuals with disabilities need an opportunity to express and utilize their innate talents, but music educators also need the opportunities to learn about specialized teahing techniques for students with disabilities.
Our Mission
Dreams Fulfilled Through Music is dedicated to developing the personal accomplishment, social growth and self-esteem of persons with special needs through Adaptive Music Education, Music Therapy, & Recreational Music Making and Performance Opportunities.
Our Vision
Within 5 years, Dreams Fulfilled Through Music will be providing opportunities for musical enrichment and education throughout North America to all persons with disabilities who desire to fulfill their personal dreams of being a participant and performer, rather than an observer of musical excellence and achievement.
Coming Events
June 23, 2010 ~ Oak Hills Church of Christ
Dreams Fulfilled through Music will provide a unique worship experience on Wednesday at the 7:00PM Peak of the Week service in the main auditorium at the Oak Hills Church of Christ, 19595 IH 10 West San Antonio, Texas 78257. The program will feature the Alamo Angels Accordion Orchestra, the Mosaic Ringers, and Sign of the Times Deaf Choir of the Methodist Mission Home - Southwest Center for Higher Independence. The message, by Larry Arnold, will deal with the topic, “What Happens when we really mess up?” in The Journey of Faith series.
June 27, 2010 ~ St. Andrews Lutheran Church
Dreams Fulfilled through Music will provide special music at the 8:15 AM Service on Sunday morning at St Andrews Lutheran Church, 16320 Huebner Road, San Antonio, Texas 78232. In addition to the Alamo Angels Accordion Orchestra, the Mosaic Ringers, and Sign of the Times Deaf Choir, piano soloists Randy Lynn Harris, Kelee Lawn and Mark Rich will share their gifts and talents in music with the congregation. All are welcome to enjoy their beautiful ministry!
June 30, 2010 ~ Emeritus @ Kingsley Place
Dreams Fulfilled through Music presents a special concert at 2:00 PM in the dining room at Kingsley Place Retirement Community - xxxx Floyd Curl, San Antonio, TX 78229. This is our third opportunity to share musical entertainment at Kingsley Place where residents come to spend a delightful afternoon, listening, singing and tapping toes to familiar melodies.
July 10, 2010 ~ Morgan’s Wonderland
Dreams Fulfilled through Music presents a special concert at 2:00 PM on Saturday afternoon at the Ampitheatre in the World’s First Ultra Accessible Family Fun Park, 5223 David Edwards Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78233. This program will feature children and adults performing a variety of traditional and some “not so familiar,” but catchy tunes. Visitors, families and friends will be inspired by talented musicians who have overcome a myriad of challenges. For directions and map see http://www.morganswonderland.com/Morgans-Wonderland-Park-Location-and-Directions.html
July 13-19, 2010 ~ American Accordionists’ Association National Competition and Festival
The Alamo Angels Accordion Orchestra travels to Hershey, PA to compete nationally in solo, ensemble and festival band categories. Executive Director, Mary Kathryn Archuleta will present a teacher education workshop entitled “Accordion - More than One, Lots of Fun” on the opening day of the Festival. While in Hershey, they will participate in the Massed Band of over 100 accordionists from the United States, Europe and China in a performance of “Candy Kisses” at Hershey Park. On Sunday, July 19th, the Alamo Angels will present a special community service concert for the Country Meadows Retirement Home before heading back to San Antonio.
July 30, 2010 ~ 20th Annual Celebration of the A.D.A. (Americans with Disabilities Act) sponsored by San Antonio Independent Living Services
The Alamo Angels Accordion Orchestra and other special musicians of all ages present entertainment for the 6th year at this exciting celebration at the La Villita Assembly Hall in downtown San Antonio. More information coming soon….