On Thursday, February 28th, The Help Group once again hosted a Music for Autism concert at the Autism Center on the Sherman Oaks campus. Musical Director and pianist Ryan Cantwell joined The Help Group stage for the third time, accompanied by seasoned stage performers James Tolbert, Angelica Roque, Justine Huxley, and Will Collyer.

Students from The Help Group’s Village Glen School filled the school assembly audience with excitement before the performance even began. Debbie Lazer, Head of Village Glen School, commenced the show with a few remarks, and introduced the visiting performers.

The concert featured classic Broadway tunes and popular music hits, such as “Corner Of The Sky” from Pippin; the powerful hit song “Brave” by Sara Bareilles; the moving standard “Someone To Watch Over Me” and “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz.

Towards the end of the interactive concert, Ryan Cantwell led the audience in the spirited “percussion” section of the show – teaching the students how to keep rhythm by clapping and stomping in time.

“Today’s Music for Autism concert was a wonderful way to start the morning for our students. They truly enjoyed listening to familiar and new songs, and interacting with the performers in a meaningful way. Musical events like these have such a lasting impact on our students,” said Debbie Lazer.

At the end of the show, Brad Shahine, Director of Public Affairs, presented the musical guests with framed artwork done by Help Group students. Each performer stayed after the concert to take photos with the enthusiastic young people.

Our heartfelt thanks to our Music for Autism friends, performers James Tolbert, Angelica Roque, Justine Huxley, and Will Collyer, Musical Director Ryan Cantwell, and the amazing faculty of The Help Group for making this concert such a wonderful morning for the children.

 

  1. (L-R) James Tolbert, Ryan Cantwell, Angelica Roque, Justine Huxley, Will Collyer and Help Group Students
  2. (L-R) James Tolbert, Will Collyer, Angelica Roque
  3. Justine Huxley
  4. (L-R) Ryan Cantwell on piano, James Tolbert singing
  5. (L-R) Ryan Cantwell, James Tolbert, Will Collyer, Angelica Roque, Justine Huxley
  6. (L-R) Ryan Cantwell, James Tolbert, Will Collyer, Angelica Roque, Justine Huxley, Brad Shahine and Help Group Students