WDSRA plans New Year’s Eve Extravaganza
Adults and teens with special needs can get an early jump on ringing in 2012 with style at a New Year’s Eve Extravaganza sponsored by the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association in Wheaton.
The party, complete with appetizers, party favors, dancing, a balloon drop and gifts, is from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 29, at the Wheaton Park District facility at 1777 S. Blanchard Road.
The fee is $32 and registration is required by either calling (630) 681-0962 or visiting wdsra.com.
“This is always a great event. It gives our participants a chance to celebrate with friends. It is definitely one of our most popular events,” WDSRA Program Supervisor Angie Kooima said. “Typically we have a DJ at our dance. This year I am really excited about the live band playing. The Naturals are a cover band made up of members with autism.”
The Naturals are a four-person cover band, but the two keyboardists are the real behind-the-scenes story.
One of them, Terry Bracey, was born and raised on the south side of Chicago. Bracey attributes his success to the unconditional love and support of his grandmother and his church. Currently the choir director and organist for his entire church, and music therapy assistant, he shares his musical gifts.
Despite challenges associated with his autism, Bracey has found his focus and talent in music.
“I hear music in my heart, I memorize it and then I play it,” he said.
He was nonverbal until the age of 8 and he has never taken any formal music lesson. He is gifted with perfect pitch and is able to replicate any instrument in any part of any song with his voice and keyboard.
His talents landed him a job with Creative Exchange Music Therapy Clinic where he assists board certified music therapists working with other people with autism. He plays the keyboard, sings lead and backup vocals and adds various percussive accents here and there for The Naturals.
Maurice Snell meanwhile has not only overcome challenges associated with his autism but he graduated from St. Xavier University with high honors obtaining a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts with minors in Spanish and music. He lives in Chicago with his family and is currently the Easter Seals National 2007 Adult representative, providing him opportunities to travel extensively and share his success.
In addition to his many talents, Snell is blessed with perfect pitch, able to hear a tone or pitch, identify and replicate the sound with absolute perfection. Nonverbal until age 8, it’s remarkable he is so versatile with regard to sound.
“Being natural is who we are,” he said. “Music helps to relieve tension and stress and soothes my soul.”
Snell strives to help others with autism maximize their potential in life by sharing his experiences, often offering his advice and wisdom during performances.
“To all of the parents of children with autism, I ask that you never give up,” he said. “Your love and support will help them to be the best they can be.”
Snell plays the synthesizer, eloquently adding a little bit of everything, and he sings lead and backup vocals for The Naturals.
For more about the band, visit http://creativeexchangemusic.com/new_page_2.htm.
For more information about WDSRA, contact Kooima at angiek@wdsra.com or (630) 681-0962, ext. 140.
For information on The Naturals, contact Kari Christiansen of the Creative Exchange Music Therapy at Kari@CreativeExchangeMusic.com or 708-345-6100.