Description:

This year’s annual Newman Fund Benefit will feature Emily Bevelaqua, co-director of Connecticut Music Therapy Services and a board certified music therapist. Emily has experience with a wide range of client populations, including children and adults with autism and neurological disorders, Rett Syndrome, learning disabilities, multiple disabilities, NVLD, Alzheimer’s, dementia, depression, and Multiple Sclerosis. Emily received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music from the University of Hartford’s Hartt School of Music, her Music Therapy Equivalency from Anna Maria College, and her Masters in Music Therapy at Temple University. Professionally, Emily is a member of the executive board of the New England Region of AMTA, serving as the Professional Advocacy Committee Representative. Emily was recently featured on an episode of the Colin McEnroe Show focusing on “The Healing Power of Music.” You can listen to the broadcast here.

The Benefit will be held at Parker Hirtle’s home, which was inspired by the residential work of Frank Lloyd Wright. Parker Hirtle is a graduate of the MIT School of Architecture (with Bill Cavanaugh in the same class.) Parker was a registered architect for many years, joined the architectural acoustics staff at BBN in 1959, and retired from Acentech in 1995. Since taking an introductory course in wood sculpture at the DeCordiva Museum, Parker has produced a large number of works and has exhibited at the Belmont Hill School and MIT Alumni Reunions in 2001, 2006, and 2011. Many of his works will be on display at his residence during the Newman Fund Benefit Reception.