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‘Happy Notes’ Spread Throughout Dell Children’s Medical Center

November 16, 2009
  • Who: Austin Symphony Orchestra
  • What: "Happy Notes" Concerts at Dell Children's Medical Center
  • Contact: Don Hill, Director of Public Relations - (512) 476-6064

AUSTIN SYMPHONY SPREADS ‘HAPPY NOTES’ THROUGHOUT DELL CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CENTER

The Austin Symphony Orchestra began a new initiative on November 12 when it opened it “Happy Notes” Concerts at Dell Children’s Medical Center (DCMC). An outreach of the ASO’s education program, “Happy Notes” is a concert series designed to promote healing for the patients and families at Dell. During the six-month program, ensembles of the Austin Symphony will perform regularly for the children, families and staff at Dell. Concerts will be performed by a rotating roster of ASO musicians and ensembles, including a brass quintet, string quartet and harpist. These concerts will provide a respite for patients and their families from the stress of hospitalization and a means of coping with serious illness.

Ashley Davis, Child Life Specialist and Special Events Coordinator at DCMC, remarked, “Much has been written of the healing powers that music possesses. As discovered through music therapy, a musical performance within the hospital setting can promote healing. Musical experiences have the opportunity to boost spirits and help relax the environment, especially during the difficult and stressful times that children and their families have to be in the hospital.”

The ASO’s “Happy Notes” performances continue through February 2010. This project is funded in part by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts’ Arts Respond Program. For more information, contact Diana Eblen, Director of Education, at the Austin Symphony Orchestra.

HI-RES PHOTOS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

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