The Gift of Music

Birchtree's students gave their families the gift of music during our Winter Concert on December 23.   Seventy-two Birchtree parents, guardians, grandparents, siblings and friends gathered to watch Birchtree's students with autism play their instruments and perform seasonal favorites including "Let it Snow" and "Frosty the Snowman."

For many Birchtree students, this was their first experience making music in front of a large audience.  Music instructor Virginia Macdonald worked closely with students and their instructors to develop musical performances to showcase the talents and abilities of every student.  Students played bells, percussion instruments and a guitar.  Some sang or vocalized, while others signed or made motions to the music.

Instructors helped students prepare for this potentially overwhelming event by holding frequent practices and a school-wide dress rehearsal.  During their rehearsals, students worked not only to master the songs but also to develop social skills such as listening, turn-taking, and "tuning in" to their fellow students.

All our students were able to overcome their challenges and participate successfully in the concert.  Many parents had tears in their eyes as they witnessed their children making music in ways they never thought possible.

Students performed in front of a wintry backdrop created by students and staff under the direction of art teacher Joshua Wiggin.  At the end of the concert, everyone joined in a rousing chorus of "Jingle Bells," and we went home with tunes in our heads and joy in our hearts!

To read a Foster's Daily Democrat story about the concert, click here.  To read a Portsmouth Herald story about the concert, click here. 

On behalf of the students, staff, board
and volunteers of The Birchtree Center,

warm holiday wishes 
to you and all your loved ones!