In This Issue:

• A Note from the Director
• News and Developments: Partnerships, New Programs, "Crackin’ Cement" in NYC!
• MTV Networks partnering with The Rebecca Center!
• New York Newsday's Science section features The Rebecca Center
• On the home-front
• Rebecca Center scores HIGH on Parent/Client Satisfaction: A Quantitative Analysis
• Achievements
• Announcements
• Check out our NEW web site! http://www.therebeccacenter.org/

A Note from the Director

When a parent of a special needs child approach’s you and says, "I can’t thank you enough for having such an amazing program," or, while teary eyed say that "our child has finally found a voice, this is first program that he actually enjoys and responds to," it reinforces that fact that our therapeutic principles and beliefs in the clinical use of music is something that needs to be nurtured and cultivated. Because of these wonderful responses, we decided to focus on doing addition music therapy education for parents and "outside" organizations. In an effort to increase a better understanding of music therapy, The Rebecca Center: 1) has created a (Quantitative) quality assurance survey for parents, 2) continues to improve our comprehensive website (www.therebeccacenter.org), 3) created an online library featuring scholarly papers on music therapy including case studies and theory development, 4) held its first "Parent Info-Meet," and 5) provide weekly informative emails to parents. (All of these initiatives were all well received and appreciated by parents and outside professionals. )

Here is what parents of special needs children, from over the United States, had to say in regards to a case study in our online library:

Carpente, A. John (2005). Case Study: Creative Music Therapy with a Boy with Multiple Impairments: Stepping out of isolation into new experiences. Unpublished paper, Temple University. http://www.therebeccacenter.org/library/casestudy1.html

• What a gifted person you have found in that therapist. To bring multiple disciplines and an empathetic heart - I was enthralled (sorry, I really was!) by his description of the sessions. Wow! I'm so glad he's getting through - Mikey, that is. It looks exciting.

• I must say I'm envious because I wish we could find someone here who does this. Now I'll have to do some research as William loves music so much!!! I am so glad Mikey is happy and responds so well to his musical outlet!

• That sent chills through me as I read along with the progression, it really sounds like Mikey is connecting with the music. It's great that you've found such a good therapist to work with.

• I hope this area of the country will come to see the benefit and legitimacy of a music therapy program. Any parent can tell you that children respond to music. Otherwise, why do we sing to them as infants and toddlers?

• Well, I boohooed through the whole paper! I thought it was just wonderful to "see" their relationship develop and Mikey open up. The sensitivity of the therapist just bowled me over. Please keep us posted on Mikey's gains as he continues this.

It’s amazing to think that just 4 years ago this program started out in the basement of a church with just me serving only one child. Today, between our on-site clinic and our outreach programs we employ 10 professionally credentialed music therapists (MT) that provide service for over 200 people with special needs. In 2006 we hope to increase both numbers by at least 50%..

In addition, every new MT job that we create, we create another training site for tomorrow’s music therapists. Currently, we train between 10-20 music therapy interns/fieldwork students each semester. Basically, in short, all of the above means that more special people are being served by our programs each year!

Our growth, at a time when the nonprofit world is not exactly flourishing financially, is partly due to the incredible team of associates working at the Center. Not only do we have some of the finest, most dedicated and multi-talented music therapists working at the Center, but also our Molloy interns and fieldwork students have shown to be incredible assets. Their learning process enables them to become an integral part of The Rebecca Center. Also, I can’t say enough about our volunteers, specifically our web master David Yeh and Jenn Totti who has given us everyone of her Saturday mornings and afternoons for the past 3 years!

In closing, I would like to say how lucky I am to have the privilege to work with such amazing children, and, to be a part of such a wonderful community of colleagues, associates, parents, and board members who share in the same beliefs that built this organization from the ground on up. Our mutuality has created an incredible program that continues grow every year and serve more and more people with special needs.

All the best,

John

Exciting News and Developments: 2006 "Launchings"

• MTV Networks and The Rebecca Center partnering in the future: MTV’s VP of Social Responsibility, Alicin Reidy stated, "... because The Rebecca Center is so compelling we will be giving a gift with hopes that we can partner in the future ..." We at The Rebecca Center are extremely excited about this future collaboration with MTV Networks. We would like to thank everyone at MTV Networks that helped make this initiative possible. A special thanks to Hank Close, executive VP ad Sales of the music and comedy group, Alicin Reidy, VP Social Responsibility, and Melissa Drake, Manager, Public Responsibility.
• The Rebecca Center has another new and exciting partnership on the horizon with Daniel's Music Foundation; a nonprofit created by Ken Trush and son his Daniel that will provide an array of musical opportunities for ALL people with special needs. This partnership will mark one of New York City's most innovative music programs for people with special needs. This unique project, scheduled to be launched in the spring of 2006, will provide a musical "haven;" programs will include music therapy, music education, music appreciation, music performance, and much more!

• As you already know, The Rebecca Center and the JCC in Roslyn, with the help of Margaret Fraser, Connie Wasserman, and Susan Banco have created an incredible music therapy program. The program serves children and adolescents diagnosed with autism, the elderly living with dementia and Alzheimer’s, and individuals who have developed an "early on-set" of dementia. This program, in its fourth year, has been so successful that other JCC organizations throughout Long Island and even New Jersey have contacted us regarding the implementation of this program model. Through educating people on the benefits of music therapy and our reputation for excellence in the field, beginning in 2006, the JCC on the Palisades (New Jersey) will be implementing a music therapy program lead by pioneer and co-founder of The Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy at New York University Dr. Clive Robbins. In addition, The Rebecca Center will be bringing its services to the Barry & Florence Friedberg JCC Oceanside. For information on the JCC: in Roslyn contact Margaret Fraser 516-484-1545 X178, Oceanside Roni Kleinman 516-766-4341 X 123

• The Rebecca Center and Effective Interventions, Inc., an organization committed to serving children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders with researched based interventions, will be launching a one-of-a-kind music and learning program. This program will incorporate "internal" and "external" learning processes through music, combining a relationship-humanistic based approach with applied behavioral techniques. For more information call directors of Effective Interventions Nicole Dibra or Deborah Harris at 516- 433-4202.

• FINALLY! Well folks, by popular demand, The Rebecca Center will finally be "crackin’ cement" in New York City! In 2006, The Rebecca Center for Music Therapy will be bringing its unique program into Manhattan. For more information and for early enrollment please email us at jcarpente@erols.com. Session slots will fill very quickly.

• NEW PROGRAM! MUSICING FOR INFANTS AND TOTS! For several years parents have been requesting a program from us that focuses on infants and toddlers; a program that employs experts in the fields of early childhood development and music therapy (NOT JUST random individuals who have a musical background). We have been approached to create a program that focuses on the development of children that will NOT require parents to spend all kinds of money on CDs and books. It’s FINALLY here: MUSICING FOR INFANTS AND TOTS! After 2 years of research, and a careful screening process in finding music therapists that specialize in this area, The Rebecca Center will be launching MUSICING FOR INFANTS AND TOTS! in September 2006. For more information please call us at 516-678-5000 ext. 6643. Time slots are limited.

• The Rebecca Center for Music Therapy will be bringing its program to Queens. The Center will be partnering with the Continuing Education Department at Queensborough Community College/CUNY and will be opening its doors in September 2006. Special thanks to Dr. Joseph Nagler, Director of the Music Department, who initiated the dialogue between The Rebecca Center and the College, and Arpy Coherian, Assistant Director of Continuing Education, for following through and making sure that this collaboration will become a reality. For more information on this program, call Arpy Coherian at 718-631-6343.

New York Newsday's Science section features The Rebecca Center

Rebecca Center Scores HIGH on Parent/Client Satisfaction: A Quantitative Analysis

Events

• Our spring event at New York City’s Lemon, led by Board member Mary Connolly and musician Dayna Blitz, turned out to be a wonderful evening of musical talent, music therapy awareness, and a meeting of wonderful giving people coming together for a great cause. The event was hosted by Dayna Blitz and the Indie Music Explosion (I.M.E.). Musicians included: Dann Russo, The Mary Connolly Band, Area 44, Josh Walker.

  On behalf of TRC, I would like to thank everyone who helped make this event a special night. A special thanks to Mary Connolly, Dayna Blitz (www.indiemusicexplosion.com) and all of the musical guests that donated their time and talent. Thanks so much!

• On June 22, The Rebecca Center hosted its first Parents’ Voice: An Info Meet. Despite horrible weather conditions, we still had a great turnout. The purpose of the meet was to create a community where parents:
  • Learned about the Center’s quality assurance survey
  • Were informed, in greater detail, of the Center’s core values
  • Learned about the Center’s new programs (Parent Coalition, Research projects, new clinical programs, etc.)
  • Voiced their opinions, concerns, etc.

  I would like to thank all of our Rebecca Center associates and interns who helped make the evening a huge success. A special thanks to Heejin Chung, Jenn Totti, Dr. Suzanne Sorel, Jen Delgado, Rich Martin, Cindy Gerlach, and Abigail Yeh.

Appointments and Achievements

• Congratulations to Rebecca Center’s own Dr. Suzanne Sorel for completing her Doctorate of Arts degree in music therapy from New York University. Dr. Sorel’s dissertation: Presenting Carly and Elliott: Exploring Roles and Relationships in a Mother-Son Dyad in Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy is available online.

• Rebecca Center’s founder/director, John Carpente, was selected as the Conference Coordinator of The American Music Therapy Association’s Mid-Atlantic Region and has been invited to join the board of The New York Coalition for Creative Arts Therapists (NYCCAT). In addition, beginning in September 2005, Molloy College has appointed John as the Special Projects Coordinator of Molloy College’s music program. This new position demonstrates Molloy’s continuous support and commitment to music therapy education at Molloy College. (The music therapy program at Molloy continues to grow each semester, and is drawing plans to implement a Master’s degree in music therapy. For more information regarding Molloy’s Music Therapy Program contact the program coordinator Evelyn Selesky at 516-6768-5000 ext. 6367)

• Former Intern and Molloy student, Abigail Yeh, has taken her newly acquired business and clinical skills to Gainesville, Florida where she has just opened up Gainesville’s first music therapy clinic. Congratulations Abigail and good luck! (www.gainesvillemusictherapy.com)

• Congratulations to Rebecca Center former interns who completed their clinical hours at the center and who are now working as professional music therapists throughout the country: Rich Martin (Long Island, N.Y.), Martha Vu (Rhode Island), and Abigail Yeh (Gainesville Florida).

Rebecca Center continues to educate at conference

• At the Mid-Atlantic Regional Music Therapy Conference at The Garden City Hotel in March, Rebecca Center associates: Dr. Suzanne Sorel, Evelyn Selesky (Co-chair of the entire event) and John Carpente each presented at the well-attended conference.

• In addition, following the conference, The Rebecca Center was awarded a grant on behalf of The Mid-Atlantic Region of the American Music Therapy Association. The Center would like to thank MAR President Kathleen Murphy and everyone serving on the regional board and committees for choosing The Rebecca Center for its reputation of excellence in the field of music therapy.

Introducing new associates

• In June 2005 Founding President of The Rebecca Center, Peter Solomita, completed his term as our Board President. We could not have asked for a better Founding President then Pete Solomita. During his tenure he consistently dedicated himself to the well-being of the Center. I was always amazed at the incredible dedication and commitment that he gave each year. Even when his "plate" became incredibly full with work and family life, he always seemed to keep The Rebecca Ctr on top of his list. The Rebecca Center is extremely lucky and grateful to have such a committed leader at the helm. We will miss Pete and we wish him success in his future endeavors. With Pete’s departure, we welcome Genevieve R. Carpente as our new board President. Gen brings with her over 10 years of corporate and leadership experience. We welcome her as she will be leading our mission into new waters.

• The Center also says good-bye to Board Member Mary Connolly, who just completed her 2 year term as a Rebecca Center Board member. We thank Mary for her time, dedication and all of her initiatives. We wish her luck and success in the future. Thanks Mary!

• The Center would like to welcome the addition of new associates (therapists): New York University graduates Jenny Fu, Alessandro Ricciarelli, and Carter Thornten, and Molloy College graduate Jill Lucente into our organization. We are always excited to bring in new talent in order to spread our wings and reach the growing numbers of people who NEED our program. Welcome aboard!

The Rebecca at a location near you!

Supporters of Rebecca

The Rebecca Center would like to thank the following organizations for their consistent support and encouragement throughout the year:

• The American Music Therapy Association’s Mid-Atlantic Region
• The David Center
• Effective Interventions
• Elijah Foundation
• Floyd Rumor, CEO at Stages of Learning
• Housing Works
• John and Joan D’Addario Foundation
• Molloy College
• Morgan Stanley Financial Group
• Queensborough Community College/CUNY
• Rivington House
• Sam Ash Music
• Stages of Learning’s CEO Floyd Rumor
• Temple University
• The Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center in Roslyn
• The Barry & Florence Friedberg Jewish Community Center in Oceanside

The Rebecca Center would like to thank all of the individuals who have donated time and financial support to our cause. Thanks to your generosity, The Rebecca Center for Music Therapy will continue in its mission to provide unparalleled music therapy services to people with special needs.

In-Kind Gifts

The Rebecca Center would like to thank Jazz recording artists Glenn Velez and Lori Cotler for their generous donation of their beautiful KAWAI acoustic piano. In addition, we would like to thank Laurie Sayet for donating her "tuneful" upright piano. If you have a piano that is in "good shape," other instruments, recording equipment, computer equipment or even a car that you are considering donating, please be sure to think of us and RECEIVE A TAX DEDUCTION.

Support Rebecca

The Rebecca Center for Music Therapy is a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit organization that relies on community and foundation support to maintain its unique and effective programming. Unlike some nonprofit organizations, with large administrative budgets, The Rebecca Center focuses on funding its programs. Our administrative duties are primarily conducted by our incredible core of volunteers, thus allowing us to place our energy and funding sources into our highly recognized and praised programs. Your individual tax-deductible donation will go entirely into providing services.

To make a tax deductible donation please visit our website for online donations (www.therebeccacenter.org), or send a check payable to The Rebecca Center at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., PO Box 5002, Rockville Centre, N.Y. 11571.

Contact Us

John A. Carpente
Founder / Executive Director
www.therebeccacenter.org
516-678-5000 Ext. 6643

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Founded in 2000 by Certified Music Therapist John A. Carpente, The Rebecca Center is a non-profit organization whose MISSION & PURPOSE is to use music to remove physical and cognitive barriers that prevent people with special needs from engaging in essential social interactions and life processes. Serving over 200 people with special needs throughout New York and Long Island, our VALUES are based on: 1) Music is therapy when appropriately applied. 2) Music therapy can help a person with special needs in many ways; fulfill the need to interact, socialize, achieve, learn and improve physicality. 3) People with Special Needs are whole people. They have feelings, and face challenges.

To support our MISSION and help bring the gifts of music into the lives of special people, log onto www.therebeccacenter.org/donations.html.