[MusicTlk] Fwd: [Perform-Talk] Braille Beats Fine Arts Program

[Chris Nusbaum]

Here's some information about a great program for young blind musicians, sent to us by Kaiti Shelton of the Performing Arts Division.

Chris Nusbaum

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Kaiti Shelton via Perform-talk <perform-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Date: March 25, 2019 at 1:18:34 AM EDT
> To: perform-talk <perform-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Kaiti Shelton <crazy4clarinet104 at gmail.com>
> Subject: [Perform-Talk] Braille Beats Fine Arts Program
> Reply-To: Performing Arts Division list <perform-talk at nfbnet.org>
> 
> Hello,fellow performers,
> 
> The Braille Beats Fine Arts Program, a 9 day residential fine arts
> intensive for blind students aged 8 through 18, will be hosting it's 15th
> intensive this summer at the Lions Bear Lake Camp in Lapeer, MI. This
> unique program seeks to give blind students, who are too often excluded or
> left behind in fine arts classes and programs, the skills they need to more
> fully participate in the arts. Music classes include: braille music; music
> theory and ear training; improvisation; and ensembles including a SATB
> choir, a piano ensemble, and a new ukulele ensemble starting for the first
> time this year. A tactile art class shows students, some of whom have never
> been properly accommodated in visual arts classes, that art can be
> enjoyable and accessible after all. Yoga and a One Touch Self-Defense
> course promote confidence and the ability to move gracefully and safely
> throughout the world. In addition to all courses, a talent show and other
> special events add to the fun, and the program culminates with a recital.
> 
> Lessons in independence, daily living skills, organization, and more are
> woven into the fabric of the program, and modeled by the blind faculty and
> staff members. Last year 5/8 of the music department faculty members were
> blind, and all had degrees in music, our artist in residence was a blind
> sculpter who also taught our One Touch course, and our cabin monitors in
> both the boys and girls cabins were also blind.
> 
> We are in most need of cabin monitors for this year. The ideal cabin
> monitor should possess excellent organizational skills, good communication
> skills, patience and understanding when working with children (including
> those with a wide range of blindness skills or additional disabilities),
> and a positive attitude about blindness. While proficiency on a musical
> instrument is not essential, it would be a plus. The monitor should also
> recognize the importance of the skills being taught in the program such as
> braille music literacy and music theory, even if they have not studied them
> personally.
> 
> All faculty and staff positions at Braille Beats are filled by volunteers,
> but lodging, meals, and travel expenses including airfare are covered by
> the program. Dates for the 2019 program are June 15th through the 23rd, and
> staff typically arrange to arrive the day before to settle in before
> students arrive.
> 
> If interested in being a cabin monitor for this year, please either get in
> touch with me or email braillebeats at gmail.com. My contact details are
> below.
> 
> Sincerely,
> Kaiti Shelton, Braille Beats Music Department Faculty Member
> 
> 
> -- 
> Kaiti Shelton, MT-BC
> Music Therapist-Board Certified
> Also at kaiti.shelton at gmail.com
> (513)285-2072null
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