Spearheaded and facilitated by Amy Hourigan, a board certified music therapist and instructor of music education, the School of Music presented its first Sensory Friendly Concert in the fall of 2014. With over two hundred students in attendance, the Ball State Symphony Orchestra presented a performance of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker Suite.” Following the concert, members of the orchestra hosted an instrument “petting zoo,” where students could explore the different orchestral instruments. A magnificent success, the School of Music is now committed to presenting a Sensory Friendly Concert each semester.
Sensory Friendly Concerts are meant to allow students to freely express themselves through movement and vocalization enabling them to be fully immersed in this musical experience. These concerts allow students to experience and enjoy live performances, that otherwise would not be able to attend traditional concerts. Special care and consideration is given to the concert hall lighting and to the performing ensemble’s volume.
Get Involved or Attend a Concert
If you’d like to learn more about our Sensory Friendly Concerts and how you can attend or get involved, contact Amy Hourigan.